Land O’ Lakes, Fla. Mar 11th: As they prepare to compete among the best in their sport, the Sunlake World Guard is calling on the community for support through an online silent auction running March 13-21. Representing Sunlake High School in Land O’ Lakes, they are Pasco County’s only Scholastic World Class-ranked team, competing at the most elite level for high school students.
The fundraiser comes at a pivotal point in the season as the team works to secure resources needed to travel to the Winter Guard International (WGI) World Championships in Dayton, Ohio, this April. Funds raised will support travel, lodging, and competition expenses for the 14-member team as they represent Pasco County on the international stage. Auction items and bidding details will be available at https://airauctioneer.com/sunlake-world–guard-auction-2026.
“This opportunity is something our students have earned through months of hard work and commitment,” said Brandon Arehart, director of Sunlake World Guard. “Community support helps ensure they can take their place in Dayton and represent Pasco County at the highest level.”
In addition to the online auction, the community is invited to support the team by attending Sunlake High School’s Friends & Family Show at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 23, in Land O’ Lakes, where the Sunlake World Guard will take the floor. The event will also showcase performances by the Sunlake Juniors, the Sunlake A Guard, the Sunlake Indoor Percussion Ensemble, and other area teams. Donations will be accepted at the door.
Currently ranked No. 4 in Florida and among the top 25 Scholastic World Class teams in the nation, Sunlake World Guard began their competitive winter season in January. This year’s performance, “The Blue Bird Cried,” is inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
In the coming weeks, the team also will perform on March 14-15 at the WGI Regional competition in Stuart, Fla., and on April 3 at the Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit (FFCC) State Championships in Orlando, before traveling to Dayton.
Winter guard is an indoor performance sport that combines dance, theater, and equipment work with flags, rifles, and sabres. Scholastic World Class teams are judged on their precision, artistry, and overall performance.
