Walton High School Marching Band Chosen to Participate in World-Famous Tournament of Roses Parade On January 1, 2003

Business Wire, August 27, 2002

Sports Editors & Education Writers

MARIETTA, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 27, 2002

The award-winning Walton High School Marching Raider Band has been selected to march in the world-famous Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2003.

The Walton Marching Raider Band, one of 24 bands chosen to participate in the 114th Rose Parade was selected from hundreds of high school bands throughout the United States and abroad. The Walton Marching Raider Band will showcase its award-winning sound and precision marching on New Year's Day as it marches 5 1/2 miles down Pasadena's famed Colorado Boulevard.

"We are proud to represent Walton High School and the State of Georgia as we lead our band to Pasadena to participate in `America's New Year Celebration,'" said Mike Back, Director. "We have an excellent group of students who are looking forward to sharing their talents with the world."

The 2002 / 2003 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association President, Gary Thomas, will visit the Walton Marching Raider Band on August 29 - September 1, 2002 to extend a formal welcome. As President of the 935 volunteer member Tournament of Roses Association, Gary Thomas will present The Walton Marching Raider Band with the traditional Rose Parade Flag, which represents the band's prestigious participation in the 114th Rose Parade.

One of the presidential duties is to visit each local and out-of-state band that will participate in the Rose Parade. President Thomas and his wife, Lieueen, will log more than 50,000 miles representing the Tournament of Roses as they visit the hometowns of each band in the United States and foreign countries.

The annual Rose Parade will spotlight thematically designed floral floats, high stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands. Nearly one million people are anticipated to line the Rose Parade route, while more than 430 million people in over 100 countries are expected to view the Rose Parade on television. The 2003 Tournament of Roses Parade will showcase a theme celebrating "Kids."

For additional information on The Walton Marching Raider Band's participation in the internationally famous event, please call Ginny Popkowski at 770-649-1229 or visit the band's website at www.waltonband.org/rosebowl.htm.