For as long as Kaci Waguespack can remember, her life has been about music.
“It’s one of the cornerstones of what makes me,” said the Destrehan High School graduate. “In times of trouble, I go to music as a haven.”
Waguespack served as drum major for the Pride of Destrehan marching band beginning her freshman year and became the head drum major by her junior year, the first in recent history to mark this achievement.
“It was a surreal feeling, because as a leader you make the people around you better,” she said. “It was always being the best version of myself so they’ll be the best version of themselves.”
She also enjoys the competition.
This year, the SCP Riverwinds, an indoor winds group, traveled to Dayton, Ohio for world championships and Waguespack was with them. She plans on auditioning for an independent group to continue competing.
“I think music has allowed me to find a family, and family is such an important concept to me,” she said. “It’s just something that’s pushed me to make stronger bonds with those around me.”
She was recently recognized by the Louisiana Showcase of Bands as the Most Outstanding Drum Major for Louisiana.
“To be recognized on that level, it’s honestly still crazy to think about it,” she said. “Being a leader has never been about recognition to me.”
At DHS, she was recognized for her work and substantial involvement in extracurricular clubs.
“I was kind of involved in everything at school and, for the last four years, I just kind of lived at school,” she said.
As a member of the Vineyard Church of New Orleans, she has worked with the church’s ministry for nearly six years.
“It just allowed me to connect further with my community and really awesome kids that are just trying to grow their faith,” she said.
Waguespack said this work appealed to her desire to make the high school and community a better place.
Waguespack plans to attend Northwestern State University where she will major in biological sciences and minor in Spanish. She intends to remain involved in music with the university’s marching and concert bands.
[pullquote]“I think music has allowed me to find a family, and family is such an important concept to me. It’s just something that’s pushed me to make stronger bonds with those around me.”— Kaci Waguespack[/pullquote]Her major actually fits her life.
“I’m adopted so most of my life has been ‘Who are you?’” she said. “It’s an interesting question to ask that has driven me into genetics and genetic engineering.”
Despite her prolific music background, Waguespack said she also wanted music to continue being fun for her and not a source of stress.
As she says goodbye to DHS, she reflected on what made the high school special to her.
“The honors community that formed at DHS has been so special and unique because there are a bunch of different clubs and everyone can find their niche somewhere in DHS,” she said. “Between the AP teachers and students, the connection over dedication and motivation has been something that’s lent to a tight-knit group rooting for each other to be successful.”
Kaci Waguespack
- Kaci Waguespack was recently recognized by the Louisiana Showcase of Bands as the Most Outstanding Drum Major for Louisiana.
- Waguespack was involved in National Honor Society, where she served as president.
- She served as senior class vice president on the DHS Student Council.
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