By Emily Cedre
Dressed in all black from head to toe, Warren Central High School spread eighteen benches across their white floor encased by black edges as they took the stage to tell the story of NF Nathan John Feurstein in their 2025 Scholastic World Class program entitled, “Hope.”
Jeff Wroblewski, Director of Warren Central’s winter guard program, said that he wanted to create a show for the team that would resonate with performers and audience members alike, which was how the program was born.
“‘Hope’ is more than just a title–it represents a journey of resilience, strength, and the unwavering belief that brighter days are ahead,” said Wroblewski.
Throughout the performance, athletes told the audience of Nathan’s story, from seeing great successes in life to days when he had to fight against the many negative situations thrown his way. The song itself was created to showcase Nathan’s journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of personal growth. It emphasizes the importance of hope in overcoming life’s challenges, and the transformative power of faith and self-acceptance.
“The palpable energy and authenticity of the dancers allowed the audience to experience the highs and lows of Nathan’s real-life journey, making each moment feel incredibly personal,” said Wrobleski. “The collaboration and dedication among the Warren Central performers, staff, and supporters shone brightly during the performance at the prestigious WGI [World Championships]. It was a heartfelt celebration of not just the artistry of winter guard, but of the shared human experiences that unite us all.”
The show began with a short dance feature that moved into a stunning rifle section, where athletes completed a ripple toss that stretched the entire length of their floor. A unique feature about the program is that they have a full team rifle line, minus one athlete who spins a flag on top of a bench in the back of the floor, showcasing the team’s incredible training in both technique and timing.
When competing, the audience remained captivated throughout the entire performance, but there was one section of their routine in particular that led the crowd to stand on their feet, applauding and screaming in joy: a rifle line double time feature. Seven performers completed a stunning set of double time while doing body beneath their equipment, something that is not very often seen in competition by teams, especially in large groups.
@wgisportofthearts WGI Indianapolis // Warren Centeal bringing the crowd to their feet! #wgi2025 #wgiindianapolis #wgicolorguard ♬ HOPE - NF
“The feedback from audiences has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing how touched they were by the performance,” said Wroblewski. “Hope” captivated not just through its intricate choreography, but through its poignant storytelling, making it a standout moment in this year’s competition.
Ending their show on a powerful flag feature with two dance soloists, Warren Central High School showcased how impactful teamwork can truly be by doing a full team flag exchange as the final moment of their show. The audience truly could not get enough of these performers or their incredible storytelling abilities.
“Our team poured their hearts into this performance,” reflected Wroblewski. “We wanted to convey a message of hope and remind everyone that even in the darkest times, there is light and support to be found. Our performers remain dedicated to creating performances that inspire and connect them with their community. Each member of the team carries forward the message of hope, not just for themselves, but for everyone who has faced life’s challenges.”
About the Author:
Emily Cedre works as a content creator for OneTouch Direct in Tampa, Florida. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Broadcast Programming and Production. She also minored in Psychology. She began colorguard in her junior year of high school, was a captain of Sunlake High School’s Open Class team and has since spun for the University of South Florida.
