Meet Cielo Castillo, Class of 2021 Weslaco East High School Alumni and former member of the Wildcat Regiment as field officer and center snare. During her time at Weslaco East High School, Castillo received an Outstanding Percussionist Award. Cielo marched in three Division 1-rated shows entitled: 2017 Andalucia, 2018 Persephone, and 2019 Silk Road; under the direction of Armando Cuellar.

"For future and existing band members, I know that balancing school and band life might seem difficult and impossible at times, but it does get better, and sticking with the band when things get challenging does help. The band becomes more than simply a hobby for you all over time, and you all start to care about one another like family. I also want to emphasize how simply amazing the directors are. I, for one, am grateful to have had them as my directors, and you all are extremely fortunate to have them as your directors because of how much they care about you and how willing they are to go to any lengths for you."

LIFE AFTER GRADUATION

Cielo is currently attending Texas A&M University in hopes to pursue a bachelor's degree in music education. The positive experience she had with her directors and teachers encouraged her to pursue their steps. Castillo has joined the Texas A&M University Kingsville Marching band, which participated this past fall as the exhibition band for the 2022 Area Marching Contest. Congratulations to Cielo for the amazing success she has had since graduating from Weslaco East HS.

"Being a member of the Wildcat Regiment was an amazing experience for me, and I have so many wonderful memories that I can still recall back to this very day."