A Forsyth Central High School senior will be one of 125 students to perform during the 2011 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January.
Sarah Nelson’s exceptional work as a colorguard member in Central's Flash of Crimson marching band has earned her a spot in the annual event.
The announcement was made Friday afternoon in front of Nelson’s family, close friends and other marching band members at Central.
“We’re thrilled beyond words,” said Nelson’s mother, Maureen. “This is something she’s wanted to do so badly and has worked so hard for that it really means the world to her and to us.
“It’s a really neat opportunity to have a game special for the troops and to be televised all over the world, overseas, and to be able to perform at that level and to be chosen ... it’s just a total thrill.”
Nelson will perform during halftime of the game between the nation’s top 90 high school football players in an East versus West matchup at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Sgt. Brian Faloona recognized Nelson’s talent during the ceremony Friday.
While it takes a special person to be a soldier, Faloona said “it takes a special musician to be selected as a U.S. Army All-American.”
“[They] not only possess the strength of a soldier, they live the army values,” he said.
Nelson is one of about 25 colorguard members who will perform with the 100-member U.S. Army All-American Marching Band during the game.
After being presented with a jacket, she paused to thank her parents “who sat next to me in the Alamodome in 2009 and watched my brother practice and listened to me when I said I want to do this.”
She also thanked the Army for giving her the opportunity.
“Being an All-American means the world to me and I can't say thank you enough," she said.
Sarah Nelson’s exceptional work as a colorguard member in Central's Flash of Crimson marching band has earned her a spot in the annual event.
The announcement was made Friday afternoon in front of Nelson’s family, close friends and other marching band members at Central.
“We’re thrilled beyond words,” said Nelson’s mother, Maureen. “This is something she’s wanted to do so badly and has worked so hard for that it really means the world to her and to us.
“It’s a really neat opportunity to have a game special for the troops and to be televised all over the world, overseas, and to be able to perform at that level and to be chosen ... it’s just a total thrill.”
Nelson will perform during halftime of the game between the nation’s top 90 high school football players in an East versus West matchup at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Sgt. Brian Faloona recognized Nelson’s talent during the ceremony Friday.
While it takes a special person to be a soldier, Faloona said “it takes a special musician to be selected as a U.S. Army All-American.”
“[They] not only possess the strength of a soldier, they live the army values,” he said.
Nelson is one of about 25 colorguard members who will perform with the 100-member U.S. Army All-American Marching Band during the game.
After being presented with a jacket, she paused to thank her parents “who sat next to me in the Alamodome in 2009 and watched my brother practice and listened to me when I said I want to do this.”
She also thanked the Army for giving her the opportunity.
“Being an All-American means the world to me and I can't say thank you enough," she said.