WHO WE ARE

Guiding Light Winterguard is a faith-based competitive ensemble for performers ages 14–22 who love the art of winterguard and want to grow both on and off the floor. We compete in the MidWest Color Guard Circuit (MWCGC) and Winter Guard International (WGI), and we are committed to performing at a high level while building a strong, supportive team.

We are a non-denominational organization that believes in living out Christian principles like love, integrity, and service. You do not have to share our beliefs to be part of Guiding Light. We simply ask that all members respect the values we stand for and come ready to work hard, grow, and be part of something bigger than themselves.

At Guiding Light, we care just as much about who you become as we do about how you perform.

OUR MISSION

Guiding Light Winterguard is dedicated to providing young people with opportunities for artistic expression and personal growth through the performance art of competitive color guard. Rooted in biblical values of truth, beauty, and goodness, our organization fosters excellence, integrity, and teamwork within a supportive and Christ-centered environment.

“Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ”

Ephesians 5:2 (NLT)

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

There is no judgement here. We meet you where you are, we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God, you are not “too sinful or broken” to be here.

Anxiety and depression are at an all time high among young people. Searching for meaning and purpose is innate in the human soul. We want you to know you are not alone. We love you and so does God. You are wonderfully and fearfully made, your life has incredible meaning and you have a purpose, we want you to know that. We hope you find your purpose here.

If you want a positive place to belong and also want to be challenged as a performer to your full potential, you are in the right place, welcome to Guiding Light.

STAFF

Kylene Mitchell

Director

Design, Choreography & Tech

Mrs. Mitchell has over 20 years of experience performing and teaching colorguard in both Colorado and the Midwest. Her teaching experience includes WGI finalists winterguards; Lockport Township High School SA/SO, Lake Central HS SW, Allegiance Colorguard IO. Her performance experience includes Independent World Winterguards; Opus X & Signature Colorguard. She also performed with the first Pride of Cincinnati Dance Ensemble in 2014, where she was a performer and choreographer, Louder than Words Dance Theatre and most recently Visceral Encore, a performance company for dancers 35yrs and older. After years of teaching all throughout the midwest she is excited and honored to give back to her own community. She saw a need for a performance opportunity here in Northwest Indiana. She is thrilled to make Guiding Light Winterguard a reality.

Karley Kowalski

Tech Staff & Choreography

Ms. Kowalski has been a performer for 8 years, currently with Elevate World Winterguard and entering her second year and age-out with the Bluecoats Drum Corps. She previously performed with The Troopers Drum Corps, and is a graduate of Lockport Township High School Colorguard where she was on staff in 2024 & '25. She has experience on all pieces of equipment but dance will always have a special place in her heart. Before Colorguard she was a competitive dancer and studio-trained for several years. She is excited to have the opportunity to be on staff for Guiding Light’s premiere season!

Lisa Scheiber

Assistant Director, Design, & Tech Staff

Nick Mitchell

Tech Staff & Choreography

Mr. Mitchell joins Guiding Light’s inaugural season with 25 years of experience in the colorguard world. He began his colorguard career performing two years with the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps and another two with The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps earning DCI Gold and silver medals. His winterguard performance experience includes a season with Onyx World and another three seasons with The Northern Lights during which they earned WGI silver and bronze medals. He began teaching while performing and has been an instructor and choreographer for many programs across all classes from A to World with his longest tenure being at Lake Central High School from 2008-2016 where they won a silver medal in scholastic open class, and were later a scholastic world class finalist. Nicks resides in Valparaiso, Indiana with his family where he works as a millwright in the steel industry. He is an avid motorcycle racing fan and amateur motorcycle road racer.

We also expect to host some very exciting WGI Independent World and DCI guest staff members for our spin clinics and through our regular season!

Board of Directors

President

Melissa Cergizan

Treasurer

Susanna Schroeder

Secretary

Julie Gerdt

OUR VALUES

Sacrifice

We understand we must sacrifice many things to do this activity at a high level, however the reward is great.

Gratitude

We remember to be grateful for all we have while not focusing on what we do not have.

Service

We help each other out, the team comes first.

Discipline

We work hard at all times.

Love

We must love one another.

Integrity

We must always do what is right and be accountable to ourselves and others.

Joy

We will have fun and build lifelong friendships with others.

Excellence

We strive for the absolute best.

Respect

We treat all people with dignity

Rest