By: Lila Dees, Intern
There aren’t many people who can say they know the feeling of a medal around your neck, knowing you just performed the best you possibly could have, and playing music with some of your favorite people for one last time. However, on October 18, 2025, the Woodruff High School Marching Cadets earned the ability to say that. Being one of four groups to medal in program history, this year’s show of Neptune’s Garden has made history in being the 2A State bronze medalist for the 2025 competitive season.
As a member of this amazing Marching Band, the feeling of accomplishment after hundreds of hours of work was amazing. Getting to march this show one last time with the seniors brought smiles and tears to everyone’s faces. Through their progression and ethic, we have grown so much, and I am both proud and sad to watch them leave. But to attribute our success purely to ourselves is wrong.
I asked the band directors how they felt about the season, and Mr. Johnson responded with, “This season for me feels like the turning point. The band showed great resolve and delivered numerous accomplishments this year, and I couldn’t be prouder! Medaling again for the second time in three seasons is special and is a testament to the dedication of the students in this program. This is just the beginning, and I always say, the best is yet to come for the cadets…stay tuned!” The sentiments were shared with Mr. Gilstrap, saying, “I am very happy with our 3rd place finish at state this year. Placing in the top 4 three years in a row and medaling twice in that span is a huge win for the program, and it means we are on the right trajectory for the future. Going forward, my goal for the band is to continue medaling at the state competition as well as to create opportunities to compete against other successful bands across the southeast. We are also working hard to bring home Woodruff’s first state title in marching band.”
The work that I have seen from my fellow band members this year has been unparalleled compared to years past, and I am proud to have witnessed and led through this season. The 2025 Woodruff High School Marching Cadets are a special group, one that I am privileged to be a part of. Still, without the support of our band parents and pit crew, staff, the Woodruff community, and especially our directors, we would not be as successful as the 2025 2A State Marching Band Bronze medalists. So, on behalf of the Cadets, I’d like to say thank you for the music.
