Colony High School Choir, ROTC brighten Iditarod Re-start in Willow

Students from Colony High School stood in the crisp Alaskan air at the Willow re-start location, bringing patriotism, music and high-energy performances to mushers and spectators alike as members of the JROTC performed colors, followed by CHS Vivace as they sang the National Anthem and the Alaska State Song, cheering on the mushers as they began their treks to Nome, marking a memorable, community-supported start to the "Last Great Race."

“We sing The Alaska Flag Song and the National Anthem, and Colony's ROTC group does a wonderful job presenting the colors.” said CHS Musical Director Kelly Rentz, who led the choir through their performances.

Colony's Vivace has been singing at the Iditarod re-start since for years, with Lani Monds starting the tradition, and Rentz says she is proud to carry the tradition on, representing the community support for the race.

“I'm very thankful that they keep asking us to come back. It's always great fun, and such a unique-and very Alaskan- experience!”

The Colony High JROTC regularly performs the presentation of colors at the Willow Community Center before the official race restart.

The Iditarod honors the 1925 diphtheria serum run, and the students' participation reflected a new generation honoring this rich history. The performance was lauded by spectators, with many praising the students for braving the cold to perform.