MANNING, SC (WIS) - Students at Manning High School can say they are some of the few South Carolinians to be invited to this month's presidential inauguration festivities.
The Manning High School band has been chosen as South Carolina's only representative at President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural parade in Washington DC.
After weeks of fundraising, the band raised the $40,000 necessary for the trip. However, the number keeps rising as band director Ray Francis says they are closing in on $70,000.
"I didn't think I'd get this much this fast," Francis said.
Francis says the new goal is $100,000 and plans on using the remainder of the money to buy new instruments.
Sophomore Tadia Mickens says that's good news since her baritone has seen better days. She says the outpouring of support is a blessing.
"We as band members are dedicated, but to know manning and the whole state of South Carolina is dedicated makes us feel real good," Mickens said.
Raising the money might turn out to be the easiest part of the experience because now the band has to get there -- a logistical nightmare you can only understand if you've been in the band yourself.
But believe it or not, Francis is more worried about the weather.
"I cant imagine marching in 20 degree weather and snow. I've never had to do that before," Francis said.
But no matter what the weather turns out to be or how the instruments look, the band members say they wont let you down.
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Reported by Taylor Kearns
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