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The Wasco Union Elementary School District Color Guard is a combination of Thomas Jefferson and Palm Avenue Middle School students. The group competed in the Pep & Pageantry Arts Association of Central California competition in Bakersfield. After the first few competitions, the judges moved them up to compete in the high school regional novice division. They competed against several high school groups from the surrounding Kern County areas.

Courtesy WUESD

The Color Guard performs in Bakersfield competition.

At the PPAACC finals, the WUESD Color Guard beat out all of the other high school teams and earned first place gold medals. "They have worked so hard this entire school year and have shown tremendous dedication and commitment to the sport. We are all very proud of them," said Color Guard coach Brianna Patterson.

The girls were excited about their win and their opportunity to represent their hometown of Wasco. They dedicated their performances and accomplishments to all of their loved ones, especially to the ones they lost in recent years.

"It has been an inspiring season, and the girls' hard work has paid off," Patterson said .

The proud recipients of the first place title were Alessandra Garcia, Stephani Ruiz, Sheyla Marquez, Delilah Torres, Dalia Garcia, Camila Garcia, Andrea Miranda, Samantha Castillo, Melany Garcia and Yarixa Reyes.