The Lincoln Log

The Lincoln drill teams, color guards, and drum corps showed off their school spirit as they marched down 2nd and Market for San Francisco’s 85th annual Veterans Day parade. Many of the other San Francisco public schools such as Balboa and Lowell also participated in this parade, which occurred the afternoon of November 7th.

Many members of the drill teams and drum corps have had no previous experience before this year but have practiced the whole year. Both the boys and girls drill teams participated in the parade, which spanned from 2nd and Market to City Hall.

“It was good experience for the younger cadets,” junior (girls drill team) Lisa Deng said.

The drum corps has been practicing everyday after school. The Veterans Day parade was a warm-up for the Fall Competition, which was 4 days after the parade. They achieved first place in the parade for best show and won $300.

“I was nervous at first but I got used to it as the parade went along,” junior Taylor Hamano (drum corps) said. “The parade was lots of fun, we look forward to doing it again next year.”

Lincoln looks to make the participation in the Veterans Day parade an annual event.

“The parade went well, it was good practice for the Fall Competition,” junior Marcus Grove (boys drill team) said.

The Fall Competition, which was held Thursday November 11 at Lincoln High School, included drum corps, color guard, guidon, and squad drill.

After a good outing at the Veterans Day parade, Lincoln’s drum corps was looking to make a big impact at the Fall Competition. This year they managed to place fourth, a half-point away from third place Balboa, who won the event last year.

“This was a rebuilding year and we look to do much better next year,” junior drum corps commander Andrew Chung said.

Lincoln’s drill squad placed second behind Lowell High School. Lowell also placed first in guidon while Lincoln placed a close third. Lincoln’s color guard placed second to Galileo High School. But about two weeks later, Galileo was disqualified for using shorter flags because of a complaint from Washington High School. This means that Lincoln earned first in the color guard and overall.

“We’re happy that we placed first but next time we will do better so there will be no question that we are the best,” junior (color guard) Tammy Dang said.

Next year they look to defend their title and become winners for a second consecutive year.