Senior Gina Maged at practice

On November 27th, 2008 more than 44 million people will be watching the Macy's Great Thanksgiving Parade in New York and worldwide. One town, however, will be focusing their view on one of their very own in the parade, our very own Gina Maged class of 2009.

Every year students across America are invited to send in applications that demonstrate their skill and ability in marching and colorguard. Out of thousands of applicants, they choose up to 185 musicians and 50 flags, and Maged made the cut.

"I was really excited," Maged said. "I just thought it would be cool. In 6th grade, the marching band came to the middle school and once I saw them I knew I wanted to do it (be in marching band), once I got in to high school."

Gina has been dancing since she was three, and started participating in color guard ever since she began high school. These four years of experience will prove valuable when she goes to New York this Saturday. Throughout the week she will rehearse day in and day out for the parade.

Maged is "not nervous at all" about performing in the Macy's day parade. She has performed in front of large crowds all throughout her high school career and she feels ready.

"During the Fall Marching season," Maged explains, "I practice two days a week for three hours (a day) and then compete on the weekends. I am also doing winter guard (Independent) and right now it's four hours a week but it will increase once the competitive season gets going in January."

Mr. Davey, the Stoughton High School music and marching band director, is proud that Gina's work has finally paid off.
"She's grown and developed quite a bit," Davey said. "When you first start color guard, it's all brand new and she's really progressed."
Make sure you tune in to NBC to watch this young and talented student. This student has worked hard and come a long way and deserves it.

As Maged herself knows, "If you want it enough, youîll get it through the hard work and dedication."

© Copyright 2004 by Stoughton Public Schools

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