Silence sits heavy around the middle school kids as they fidget in their seats, anxious for the show to begin. Music suddenly fills the area as the students watch the color guard begin to move in intricate formations.

Avry Asby’s interest is now peaked as she watches closely as the guards spin and twirl with flags.

The music reaches a crescendo as the guard unveils the vibrant orange flags.

Asby is dazzled by the flags, the tosses, the formatic designs in their movement. That show convinced Asby to join the color guard that following year.

When participating in color guard, Asby harnesses her dancing skills so she can excel in the sport.

“It’s a combination of dancing and I have been dancing for years now,” Asby said. “I felt like it would be a good thing for me because I already have that strength.”

Not only does Asby excel in dancing, but it runs in the family.

“My whole family on my mom’s side have all participated in dance when they were all little kids, so it’s kind of like a tradition that’s carried on to me, my cousins and my sister,” Asby said. “We all dance together and go to the same studio, so it’s like a bonding moment between each other.”

As she continues her high school career, Asby has planned efficiently for the next two years knowing exactly what she wants to be when she grows up.

“In my next few years of high school I’m continuing band and staying in color guard,” Asby said. “Next year I’m planning on doing winter guard and trying to get all my classes figured out because I want to go into the Special Education field so that means taking child development classes to get me where I want to be.”

What truly motivates Asby to achieve her goals in life is making herself, her friends and her family proud. She’s always trying to bring her best self to the table so that she can help everyone, including herself, be successful. In the process of working hard during school, she was able to crack a few high school myths.

“I’ve discovered that high school is definitely not like it is in the movies,” Asby said. “There are no jocks and cheerleaders that pick on people. There are no stereotypes and everyone is doing their own thing. Yes there are crowds, but it’s not like it is portrayed in movies.”

Asby is appreciated greatly by one of her good friends, sophomore Emma Brinton.

“One thing I love about Avry is that she is a really good support system,” Brinton said. “She’s a very open person and super kind-hearted and she’s willing to talk and be friends with anybody because that’s just who she is.”

Band teacher Edward Owen believes Asby’s positivity impacts those around her.

“She brings everyone else up around her,” Owen said.