About Us
At Hope Independent, we are committed to creating an immersive winterguard performance experience that showcases the best of what the performing arts have to offer. Our goal is to provide all members with an opportunity to participate in an artistic expression that will expand their skills, build their self-confidence and self-awareness, and ultimately bring joy to their lives. Our programs are designed to empower participants who come from all walks of life, to dream big, take risks, and challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones.
The Journey from Dream to Reality
Our life-long dream was to create our own independent Winterguard group, and now that we’ve achieved that, we want to help others realize their dreams too. Our years of combined experience in the Winterguard and Performing Arts community helped us to overcome many challenges and learn valuable lessons. We strive to create a supportive and uplifting environment for our members to grow and showcase their skills. This journey is only beginning as we take on the Independent world of Dance, Guard and Music!
Kaylee Hollingsworth
Kaylee Hollingsworth is from Vancleave, Mississippi. She attended Vancleave High School for 4 years and participated in Colorguard for all of these years, and served as captain for her senior year. Following her high school graduation she attended William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Music Education. During her time at William Carey, she was a 3 year member of the Spirit of Carey Colorguard, as well as a member of Evidence Winds visual ensemble. She was a member of the Louisiana Stars in 2019 where she performed in their production “Break.” Kaylee started her teaching career in 2019 where she was the Assistant Winterguard Instructor at Vancleave High School. Filling that teaching experience, Kaylee spend the next 4 years as the Colorguard Director at West Jones High School. During Kaylee’s time at West Jones, she has received all superior ratings, as well as started the first ever winterguard program in 2021. She has also done choreography for Perry Central High School and Mize High School during this time.
Kaylee is currently the Colorguard Director at Oak Grove High School. “My goal for this group is to create a safe and fun environment for students in the Pine Belt Area! I look forward to our inaugural season of HOPE Independent!!”
Sarah Salas
With over 30 years of experience in the performing arts, Sarah works and consults a variety of programs within the Pine Belt of Mississippi including dance consulting, local theater, visual design and choreography. After graduating from Petal High School in 2007 and holding a legacy membership of Petal High School Indoor Percussion, she continued to pursue her education and holds a Bachelor Degree in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi with an emphasis in Reading and Social Studies. Sarah also attended Jones College as a Music Education Major with an emphasis in Piano and Voice. She is the owner and designer for her personally owned business, Print Palette Graphics & Design LLC; where she graphically designs, produces and distributes a multitude of logos, websites, apparel and business needs.
Sarah's background of being a teacher in local public schools helps integrate the knowledge and management for educating young performers.
Currently, Sarah is the Guard Director at Northeast Jones High School while being an integral part of design and staff for Oak Grove High School Indoor Percussion, Oak Grove High School Colorguard, Forrest County Agriculture High School Colorguard, and Wayne County High School.
Colorguard, Dance and Performing Arts have always been a crucial part of Sarah's life-long dream.