Band, colorguard and Rhythm Dance Company members all gathered in the auditorium to watch junior colorguard member Emily Finley receive an award from the National Association for Music Education, Nov. 21. Finley was chosen to be part of the 2014 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band, an offer only 125 seniors across the country get the privilege to have.

The All-American band performs during the halftime of the U.S. Army All-American football game, Jan. 4. Not only do they get selected because of their performance qualities, but also because of their academic achievement, leadership abilities and community service.

“I felt so accomplished and happy,” Finley said. “I worked really hard for this and it’s a really big opportunity to be accepted into it.”

Finley has been on the colorguard for three years and has been on the rifle line since her freshman year in winterguard.

“I think it would be a great accomplishment to be in it,” junior colorguard member Madie Bonvillian said. “It gives you an opportunity to show other people your performance skills.”