March 30, 2026 — There are moments in a school year that capture the spirit of dedication, teamwork, and excellence. For Walton High School, this season delivered more than one.
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The Walton Winter Guard officially closed out its 2026 season with back-to-back first-place finishes, earning top honors at both the WGI Buford Regional and the Southern Association for Performing Arts (SAPA) Championships. These victories highlight not only the team's talent but also its resilience, growth, and strong sense of unity.
At the WGI Buford Regional, Walton stood out among 34 teams from across the Southeast in the Scholastic A division. After an impressive preliminary performance that earned them the top ranking with a score of 85.320, the team returned to the floor for finals and delivered an even stronger performance. Their final score of 91.270 secured the championship, marking a major milestone for this talented group of student performers.
Just one week later, Walton competed at the 2026 SAPA Championships in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Competing against 15 teams from Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, the Winter Guard once again rose to the top, earning first place with a score of 90.945. That win marked a powerful and well-earned conclusion to their season.
The team’s success is even more remarkable given its makeup. Nine of the 13 members are freshmen, making this one of the youngest groups in the competition. Despite their limited experience at the high school level, these students performed with confidence, precision, and artistry well beyond their years.
The team has been led by Senior Abi Martin-Hoster and Junior Mia Henderson, whose leadership has guided and inspired their younger teammates throughout the season. Together, they have built a culture of trust and hard work that has paid off on the competition floor. Director Jordan Fleming, in his first year leading the Walton Guard, expressed pride in the group’s growth and commitment.
“We are extremely proud of this young team of performers,” Fleming said. “They have done a wonderful job of representing our community through competition and hard work. I see a bright future ahead for the Walton Color Guard teams. Go Raiders!”
The 2026 production, titled “Will You Be There?”, has been a centerpiece of the team’s success. Set to a soundtrack inspired by Brady Turner’s “Can You Stand the Rain?”, the performance blends emotion, storytelling, and technical skill. Throughout the season, the team has refined every movement and visual element, creating a show that resonates with both judges and audiences.
The Walton Color Guard program continues to grow as a strong part of the school’s performing arts community. In addition to the high school team, the program includes the Junior Raider Guard, which serves middle school students from Dickerson and Dodgen middle schools. This pipeline allows younger students to build skills early and transition seamlessly into high school performance opportunities. 
With championship titles in hand and a bright future ahead, the Walton Winter Guard continues to demonstrate the excellence and spirit that define Cobb Schools.
