By Emily Cedre
The I Am WGI: Future Leaders Program (FLP) was created in 2021 to foster upcoming generations of leaders within the marching arts community. FLP members serve as grassroots ambassadors between WGI decision makers and its performing membership. They present new ideas, understand the issues facing today’s performers, learn the workings of the WGI administration, and advocate for change within the community.
Those selected for the FLP gain hands-on experience with a front row seat to the conversations that inform the organization’s future policies. Another aspect of the program is one-on-one mentorship with the WGI Board of Directors to aid in the development of organizational leadership, artistic development, instruction, and public service. Mentees also learn more about WGI’s programs, protections, and education. Members take part in an annual grassroots project, brainstormed, created, marketed, and fundraised by the class, to enact tangible change within the WGI community.
A qualified candidate for the FLP must have a passion for leadership and community service, demonstrate excellent communication and teamwork, have a desire to “pay it forward” to younger generations, think outside the box, and be extremely driven and motivated.
From the 2026 class, Kyle Guinn expressed that the marching arts mean everything to him and that his desire to create a brighter future led him to want to join the program.
“The FLP is a great place for me to learn more about WGI, receive mentorship from the current leaders, and build a platform that will open up more doors for everyone involved in this sport,” said Guinn. “I believe that if we work together, we can create a future that not only enhances what we already do but also offers up the chance to pursue a larger variety of opportunities within the entire arts world.”
Kendrick Davis, another member of the 2026 class, said he began looking into the program to provide more opportunities for students of all backgrounds to learn about the marching arts.
“I have fallen in love with what indoor marching arts has to offer, and I want to spread the word of the opportunities that come with it to my nearby and neighboring communities,” said Davis. “Especially, as far as independent groups are concerned, there is not a very large presence in my area. Therefore, by connecting myself to WGI and the members of the board, I have the chance to seek advice on how to kickstart and enhance a greater culture of indoor performing arts in my area and how to pioneer a few independent groups myself.”
For Maeve St. Onge, she joined the FLP to use her passion and knowledge of color guard and share it with others.
“After college, I started teaching more, which has been such a rewarding experience,” expressed St. Onge. “It’s the ultimate way of using my passion and talents to make a difference. I want more educators like me to experience the same gratification I do when teaching; it’s amazing what can happen to programs when students and staff inspire each other simultaneously. The culture of mutual respect is infectious and leads programs to greatness. Seasons may be short, but the impact positive learning and growth experiences have lasts forever.”
Jayden Heddon wanted to dive into the Future Leaders Program to further develop his skills as an educator, as he is a staff member at POW Percussion.
“As a young educator, I also wanted to take the next step in developing the skills needed to better support my ensembles in the future,” said Heddon. “Additionally, one of my goals was to meet new people within the WGI community and continue expanding my network within the activity.”
Each member of the Future Leaders Program has an extensive background in the marching arts world. For Kyle Guinn, he was a member of Foster High School’s color guard, DCI’s Phantom Regiment and Blue Devils, along with Spirit Independent World, Origins Independent World and Paramount winter guards. Kendrick Davis has performed with Evidence Winds from William Carey University, Evidence Winterguard, and STRYKE Wynds. Maeve St.Onge has been a part of Arlington High School’s color guard, Sacred Heart University winter guard, and Fusion winter guard. Jayden Heddon has taken the stage with Tri-City Percussion and Gold Indoor Percussion.
All the members of this year’s class of Future Leaders expressed their gratitude for WGI and the culture and family environment that the organization creates.
“WGI is a cultivator of all things beautiful,” expressed Guinn. “Beauty that can be found within community, art, competition, and a place to call home. Each year, I see pure joy flow out of every performer, educator, and spectator as they interact with each other.”
“I love how supportive everyone is of each other, even when there is a competitive side to what we do,” said St. Onge. “It’s incredible to see people come together to share and celebrate that passion. WGI is also a safe space for so many people. With so much uncertainty in the world, safe spaces like WGI matter so much.”
The future is bright with the FLP’s newest members. They all care deeply about the future of the marching arts and those involved in the activity.
“I…hope to continuously give more students and other performers opportunities, regardless of background, skill level, or any other factor that makes them different from the ‘norm’ in the activity,” said Davis.
Our 2026 Future Leaders Program members look forward to getting to know everyone within the WGI community.
“I love to meet anyone in the WGI community and connect,” said Heddon. “This activity is built on relationships, and I’m always excited to meet new people who share the same passion. I’m just a California boy… soaking in every moment of the experience.”
WGI is proud to welcome Kyle Guinn, Kendrick Davis, Maeve St. Onge, Jayden Heddon, Samantha Cavallaro, and Tyler Stump to the Future Leaders Program and eagerly awaits what the future holds for all six of these dedicated leaders.
Do you have a WGI story you’d like to share? Email marketing@wgi.org to share your story with the WGI writing team!
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 color guard 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.
