JONESBORO, Ga. — Jonesboro High School marching band is heading to New York to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
More than 160 members of the Jonesboro Majestic Marching Cardinals are on their way to participate in one of the country’s largest parades, and the community is making sure these kids know how proud they are by holding a rally and police escort.
These talented musicians and dancers will march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, but their teachers, parents, alumni and the police are sending them off in grand fashion.
One former band member said this is not just a bus journey for these kids but the beginning of a lifetime of opportunities.
“I was in a Super Bowl commercial. Being a part of this band program has given me so many opportunities. It has been such a blessing," graduated and former band member Amya Thomas-Clay said.
Thomas-Clay graduated from Jonesboro High School last year and has earned a full-ride band scholarship to South Carolina State University because of the band program at Jonesboro High.
Freshman Paige Carnes is just starting with the Majestic Marching Cardinals as a dancer.
She says she's excited about the parade and her performance with the legendary Rockettes.
“I feel nervous! I feel nervous but really excited because I’ve never been to New York City, and it's going to be a great experience overall," said Carnes.
Christina Hardeman is sending her trombone-playing son off to the Big Apple but plans to be close behind so she can witness the parade in person.
“The band has worked so hard for this, so I’m hoping that he enjoys himself, lives in the moment and be grateful," said Hardeman.
Aside from the parade, these kids will also visit several colleges along the way.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade airs on Thursday, Nov. 28.