When someone thinks of lightning fast reflexes and black clothing they usually think of Ninjas.

But Seniors Mimi Rader and Alex Hall think of these things as a typical Saturday night performance.

Alex and Mimi have both been in Stratford’s color guard since middle school. After so many years at the high school color guard level, they decided to take it to the next level. 

They both auditioned and won a spot in Chimera, a winter guard program.  On March 25, they competed in the Championship Winterguard performance in Buford, Georgia. There were more than 50 teams at the competition.

Both Alex and Mimi highly value color guard and are considering furthering their color guard skills in college.

“I am going to see what I can find. I hope to find a job as a color guard instructor,”Alex said.

She said she plans for joining a color guard during her college journey at Savannah College of Art & Design and her future career plans after that. 

Mimi said as Alex inspired her to join Chimera. Alex joined the team a year before her.

“Watching Alex grow in color guard pushed me to join Chimera as I wanted to further my skills,’’ Mimi said.

Both Alex and Mimi agree all that it takes to join Chimera is a high work ethic and willingness to commit. 

 “I am so proud. Alex found the Chimera group all on her own,” said Ms. Sylvia Haynie, who is the academy’s color guard instructor. “She encouraged many of the girls to work in clinics and convinced Mimi to audition this year. They work at a skill level that is much higher than things we do at Stratford.”