On January 24, Schaumburg hosted this year’s flag competition, showcasing the talent and creativity of student teams as they performed before a panel of seven judges.
A total of 27 teams originally registered to compete; however, three teams, Kankakee Valley High School, La Porte High School, and Eastern Illinois University, were forced to withdraw at the last minute due to cold temperatures and unfavorable weather conditions.
As a result, overall participation was lower than in previous years, which typically saw around 42 teams. Organizers believe both the weather and the change in competition date may have contributed to the smaller turnout.
Planning the competition required extensive coordination and preparation. Event organizers managed numerous behind-the-scenes details, including staffing, working through logistics with the maintenance staff, reserving classrooms for team use, and providing hospitality for visiting schools. These efforts ensured the event ran smoothly despite unexpected challenges.
This year’s winter competition team features a mix of experience levels, with two members bringing three years of experience and six members competing for the first time. Despite being mostly new to competition, the team has shown strong dedication, practicing twice a week for two hours and adding extra rehearsals whenever possible. Practices include stretching, skill-building, and rehearsing the routine.
The routine is set to I See the Light from Tangled, with costumes inspired by the film’s color palette, featuring shades of lavender and gold. Team members and coaches are enthusiastic about the season and confident the team will continue to develop new skills as they gain experience.
Judges score performances across several categories, including movement, equipment, design analysis, general effect, technique and precision, and overall presentation. Teams earn points in each area, with higher scores reflecting stronger performances.
Teams typically perform using standard color guard equipment such as flags, wooden rifles, and sabres. Depending on the theme of the show and the team’s technical level, additional props may be incorporated to enhance the overall performance. These props help bring the routine’s story and visual design to life and often coordinate closely with the music and choreography. Past competitions have featured a wide range of creative elements, including chairs, tables, backdrops, and other set pieces.
Student ambassadors played a key role in ensuring the event ran smoothly by volunteering their time throughout the competition. Their responsibilities included escorting teams to their assigned classrooms, offering optional tours of the areas teams would use during the day, and picking up teams to guide them to the warm-up gym. When no teams required assistance, ambassadors helped direct and support visitors throughout the building.
Overall, the competition highlighted teamwork, creativity, and dedication, making it a memorable event for both participants and spectators. The season will continue with another competition scheduled for February 15 at Lake Zurich High School.
The flag team competes in two main seasons each school year, beginning with the fall marching season from late July through October, followed by an indoor winter competition season from November through March.
“I look forward to continuing to plan this event each year so that we can raise funds for the Flags program, as well as other Activities in the building,” said Mrs. Casamassimo, a counselor.