For some students, Color Guard is something they stumble into. But for Adeline Meldrum, it’s been a lifelong passion.
Growing up as the daughter of Verrado’s marching band director, she spent her childhood traveling to shows and soaking in the energy of every performance. What drew her in from the start was the beauty and drama the Guard brought to the field. “I’ve always loved the way that Color Guard puts emotion into the performance,” Adeline said. Over the years, that love has grown into something even bigger, teaching others and pushing herself to be the best leader she can be.
Her journey hasn’t been easy, though. Freshman and sophomore year, she suffered two concussions that forced her to step away from practice for weeks at a time. For most people, that could have been the end of the story. But her Guard family rallied behind her. They caught her up on what she missed, cheered her on, and reminded her that she was never alone. “The community here is so supportive,” Adeline explained. “I wouldn’t want to change it for the world.”
Of course, being the director’s daughter has its own unique challenges. Expectations are higher, and the pressure to always set the example can be tough. But instead of letting that weigh her down, she’s learned to rise up. The experience has taught her resilience, discipline, and leadership in a way few students get to experience. “It’s pushed me to be a better person and a more dedicated performer,” she said.
Ask her about her favorite memory, and she doesn’t hesitate. After every performance, the Viper Vanguard comes together to sing “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” For her, those lyrics capture the spirit of Verrado’s marching band perfectly. “It really feels like a family,” she shared. “I’m insanely lucky to have grown up with it.”
For students who might be curious about trying Color Guard but aren’t sure if they belong, Adeline’s advice is simple: jump in. With both Fall and Winter seasons, there’s always a chance to get involved, even for beginners who’ve never picked up a flag before. Thanks to a strong and welcoming leadership team, no one has to start alone. “There’s a place for everyone,” she said.
Color Guard has shaped Adeline Meldrum’s high school years in unforgettable ways. And for her, it’s about more than performances under the Friday night lights, it’s about family, growth, and the kind of community you carry with you long after the show ends.
