SALEM — The Salem High School Color Guard captured the 2025 New England School Bands Association (NESBA) Color Guard Championship Saturday, March 29, in front of its home crowd at the Veterans Memorial Field House.
The triumphant performance capped the end of a perfect winter season for the Salem High Color Guard, which scored highest among its competitors in each of its five NESBA meets. Additionally, the title marked the program’s second NESBA trophy this year.
In early November, the marching band and color guard captured the NESBA Division 3 state championship, similarly capping a sterling regular season.
“The senior guard staff is so proud of their achievement and growth this winter guard season,” said Jackie Gaffney, in her first season as director. “Not only did they work hard to grow their technique skills in color guard, but they also grew in their performance qualities to make the production of their show come to life. We can’t wait to see what they do in the future.”
In the Scholastic Regional Red ‘A’ Division, the Salem High Color Guard performed its routine to the song “Head Above Water,” by Avril Lavigne and scored high in each category: equipment analysis, movement analysis, design analysis, and general effect.
Salem High’s composite score of 92.660 ranked top of the table ahead of Joseph Case High School (91.120), Agawam High School (90.500), Mansfield (90.340), Danvers High (88.660) and Acton-Boxborough (87.960).
“I knew Jackie would do good things with our color guard,” said Ben Chertok, the coordinator of music and marching band director. “Our color guard was ready to evolve. The kids who bought in last fall really embraced the kids coming into the team in the winter and built a winning dynamic.”
The Salem Junior Color Guard also enjoyed a successful day at the NESBA Championship, earning a gold medal for its routine to the song “Try Everything,” by Shakira.
The junior color guard is directed by Caylee Post (Salem High Class of 2016), who is also in her first year and assists with the high school color guard.
“Seeing where we started from this season in December, to where we ended our season…I couldn’t be more proud of our junior guard,” said Post. “They have all developed greatly as performers and learned many new skills. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of kids to work with in my first year as director.
“I have had the pleasure of working with the senior guard since 2021,” Post added. “Seeing how much the girls have developed is amazing. They have all come so far from where they have started and had an unbelievable season.”
2025 Salem High Color Guard roster
Annie Bednar, sophomore
Delaney Cannon, sophomore
Jacinda Cannon, grade 7
Ella Coates, grade 8
Stella De Filipis, grade 8
Mariangela Diaz, senior (captain)
Maria Fry, grade 8
Emmy Holt, grade 8
Celine Jones, sophomore
Tammy Nguyen, grade 8
Julianna Pavia, grade 8
Hannah Phelps, grade 8
Nancy Reed, junior
Isabel Rentas, grade 8
Tanachpond Sanprasert, senior (captain)
Rose Shanahan, sophomore
Yelena Stevick, freshman
Danielle Wallinga, grade 7
Junior Color Guard roster
Abigayle Belanger, grade 5
Genevieve Devoe, grade 5
Marisabel Diaz, grade 8
Mary Gifford, grade 7
Madison James, grade 6
Satiera James, grade 7
Zoey Legere, grade 6
Gianna Mejia, grade 5
Kai Owen, grade 6
Stella Riccardi, grade 7
Sedona Shaw, grade 6
Luciana Vozzo, grade 5
Brigid Warner-Streff, grade 5