Spinning the flag under pressure, Marissa George looks to the right and smiles as she sees her friend Alicia Turner spinning her flag next to her.  In April, seniors Turner and George tried out for the University of Central Arkansas color guard.

For all of their junior high and high school years, Turner and George participated on their school’s color guard team.  Throughout their years, they have been able to learn off of each other and learn their routines together, while developing a friendship.

“It is a lot of fun being able to work with someone I know,” said Turner.  “It is nice knowing how someone works and being able to learn with them rather than being out on it alone.”

For the routine, all members trying out, including returning members, must have had a minute and a half prepared routine and a on the spot routine with 15 minutes to prepare.

“It was nerve wracking and difficult,” said George. “But it was nice having Alicia, who is someone I am comfortable spinning around.”

Twenty-two members made the team, including George and Turner.  Fourteen of the guard consisted of freshman and two of which were boys.

“It was surprising how good the boys were,” said George.  “They were so graceful.”

Going to UCA will be a big change for the two seniors, but it still will be build on what they started in high school.

“UCA has one of the top guards in the state,” said Turner.  “So going from Har-Ber to UCA will be an increase in skill level.”

For George, this will help her make a big decision for what she needs to be in life.

“UCA is a big step for because I am an undecided major,” said George.  “I know that if I was apart of something, it would help me pick where to go and what I want to do with my life.  That is why I am really excited to make the guard at UCA, it made the decision of where to go for me.”

For both seniors they gladly accept the change and all of the differences that come with it.

“I am excited to meet new people,” said George.  “The people in Conway are totally different and it is a completely different atmosphere, but I am ready for the change.”

As they transition for high school to college, both of these seniors will not go into guard alone.  They both have each other and the friendship that they built in high school and that they will continue to build in college.