WPBF reported that the Boca Raton Community High School marching band is slated to perform in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C., as part of the United States’ 250th‑birthday celebrations.
The group, known locally as the “Pride of the Gold Coast,” has been rehearsing for months and will be the only Florida high school band in the parade, band director Jenn Girdlestone said. She called the invitation an honor that lets the students showcase their community, city and state pride on a national stage.
Fifty students will travel Thursday and return Sunday, with the trip also offering educational opportunities such as visits to national monuments. Girdlestone noted a personal connection to the historic theme, recalling that both of her grandfathers served in World War II and she hopes to share that history with the students.
Band members expressed a mix of excitement and nerves. “This is my first time performing in such a big event, and I was always dreaming about it,” sophomore Alina Deikun said. Aspen Burgoyne added, “I’m really excited. It’s a big deal to be at the 250th birthday of America.” Meanwhile, Alexia Oliva admitted, “I think it’s going to be really fun but very nerve‑wracking because there are cameras all on us. We want to make a good impression.”
The ensemble will represent Boca Raton and Florida in Washington, D.C.
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