Our History

It started out as a dream of Executive Director Joe Nikischer. To start an Indoor Color Guard organization in his home town of Clifton, NJ. To give back to the Clifton community, what the indoor color guard world gave to him. He approached the Clifton Recreation Department and with their help, True Colors was born in November of 2005. The staff at the time consisted of Joe Nikischer, Jon Nikischer and Jennifer Thomas.

The first edition consisted of 5 members ages 4 to 6 years old and performed to Sammy Davis Jr's "Candyman". They competed in their first competition in January of 2006 and won their first Championship title. The North Eastern Indoor Alliance Jr Class title, which they also won in 2007.

The 2007 season saw a change. Jon Nikischer left to persue other interest. The guard did their first full season and competed in both MAIN (Mid Atlantic Indoor Network) and Cavalcade Associations and finished with the Silver Medal in both Junior Class divisions. Only to repeat their task once again when Tony Pagnozzi joined the staff as a consultant in 2008. 

The 2009 season True Colors took the Gold Medal in MAIN and the Silver Medal in Cavalcade in the JR Class divisions. With the same outcome in 2010.

2011 was a great season for True Colors. The guard won both Association Championships in the JR Class divisions a and went "undefeated". Joe decided this was his last show to design and when the guard won the MAIN Championship with the highest score in the JR Class history. He turned the responsibility of designing over to Tony. Joe then proceeded to devoted all his time to his Director responsibilities.

2012 was a milestone year for the guard and a very exciting season. They competed in the Novice Division and won the Gold Medal in both MAIN and Cavalcade. Then repeating the outcome in 2013, winning the Gold Medal, comfortably in MAIN. With a fight to the end, to win the Gold Medal in Cavalcade. 

2014 another milestone was reached. True Colors got promoted to the Regional A Class division. The staff decided not to compete in Cavalcade after disagreeing with the direction that Association was headed. They continued competing in MAIN and began competing in USSBA. The guard won the Silver Medal at the USSBA Championship. A new addition to the staff, Carrie Deis came in to add her graceful touches. 2015 with the team of Joe, Tony and Carrie. True Colors went out on a limb to put together an emotional show. The risk was rewarded and True Colors returned to the top by winning the Gold Medal at the USSBA Championship. After the season ended. Jennifer who was with the guard since its inception and had a hand in organizing its beginnings, decided it was time to retire.

2015 was a rebuilding year. A whole group of of new experienced members became part of the True Colors Family. They worked very hard to keep up with the experienced members and performed a difficult program. Joining the staff was Tara Giovassi who brought her vast experience to help bring the guard along.

Coming back after a rebuilding year was hard. But the determined members in 2016 did a great job. Tara and Carrie left us, which opened the door for the very talented Mary Guccione, to join our staff. She became an immediate friend and an important staff member of the True Colors Family. It was also the first year we took the guard away on a 4 day trip. We joined Tournament Indoor Association (TIA) and went to the TIA Atlantic Coast Championship down in Wildwood, NJ. With the hopes of making their Finals. Excited for the kids, they did just that and finished 6th in finals. Also, one of our own, homegrown members, joined our staff. Luzaidy Calderon worked with our members and with her analytic mind, helped bring the guard to a new level. We made it back!

2017 was another year of growth. The guard competed in MAIN and TIA and went down to Wildwood once again. We went on to win the Gold Medal at the Region 10 Championship and the Bronze Medal at the TIA Atlantic Coast Championships. Followed by a reoeat in 2018, with a very elegant and beautiful program. Performed with beauty and grace as our members out did them selves. 

2019 started very well. Even though we lost a lot of our experienced members due to college commitments. 5 members strong, the guard was undefeated. Reality set in  and life changed, when the Pandemic hit everyone. All competitions were cancelled.

2020 was a very different type of season. Very different! With the pandemic in full swing and all competitions cancelled. The season turned out to be a fun one at that, regardless, as many guards went virtual. We taped our performances and sent them in to be evaluated and received Superior ratings. True Colors put together a magical performance done outdoors for our final presentation To rave reviews! Due to the pandemic, the staff decided to cancel the 2021 season and not do any competitions. Which were just starting to begin again and have a few relaxed rehearsals and planned for the next season.

2023 with a couple of experienced members and a bunch of new members. True Colors successfully made it to the the floor once again. Only competing in the MAIN Association due to travel issues. Tony Del Corsano and another one of our own, Samantha Miller joined the staff.

2024 saw the guard facing many challenges. All our new members were also part of a local High School Marching Band and decided as a group not to return. The staff did a remarkable job with 4 performing members and 1 dancer. A beautiful production and the guard made it back to win the Region 10 Championship once again and performed in Wildwood, making finals.

2025 the guard had many unforeseen issues that carried throughout the season. It was a successful season. New staff members who previously performed with True Colors, were a welcome addition to our staff, Jessica Cuevas and Kayla Hartland. Unfortunately, Joe got sick so Tony Pagnozzi, who has been with the organization since 2008, temporarily replace him and did a great job as acting Director. With Joe on the mend and recouperating and financial issues burdening the organization. We made the decision to withdraw from the TIA Atlantic Coast Championship in Wildwood, after winning the Gold Medal, once again, at the Region 10 Championship. Special thanks to Jessica Cuevas, a staff member. Who was still of age and able to perform. For stepping into our show. When one of our members unexpectedly quit prior to the end of the season. A true team player.