On Tuesday, Oct. 14, the United States Army held a ceremony in the Antioch Community High School auditorium honoring senior Morgan Yankee for her selection into the U.S. Army All American Marching Band. Yankee was chosen to be one of the 125 marching band students from across the country to perform during the halftime show of the U.S. Army All American Bowl, an annual high school football game played in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

“I would like to say how grateful I am for this experience and how appreciative I am of all of you, of my family, my friends, the Army, the band sponsor programs,” said Yankee. “I am grateful for all of you for helping me and pushing me and furthering my career, and to ultimately go on an experience in San Antonio, Texas in December.”

Yankee began her musical career in fourth grade by playing the clarinet. She continued through middle school at Antioch Upper Grade School. At ACHS, Yankee joined the marching band her freshman year, in addition to other groups such as jazz band. For her freshman and sophomore years as a part of the Marching Sequoits, she played the clarinet. During her junior and senior years, Yankee took on a leadership role as a drum major.

To be chosen for the great honor of performing in the U.S. Army All American Marching Band, a student must have the outstanding qualities of loyalty, duty, honor, selfless service, integrity, respect and personal courage. It takes a special person to be a soldier, just like it takes a special marching band member to be part of the U.S. Army All American Marching Band. There are multiple people in Yankee’s life who have impacted her musical career positively, including her family, marching band friends and multiple band directors and teachers.

“I’d also like to bring attention to my band director, Mr. Jonathan Untch, for standing by my side and for helping me through this process even though it might have been a little overwhelming at times,” said Yankee.

In addition to the U.S. Army, American Family Insurance was represented in the ceremony. Insurance agent Ellen Ipsen presented the Dream Champion Award to Yankee’s parents. The award recognizes their effort, support and dedication to their daughter’s dreams and achievements.

“I would like to thank my family and friends. First of all, my parents. Thank you, mom and dad, for being there for me and supporting me through the process,” said Yankee. “I am eternally grateful for the experience I am about to go on in December. I would like to thank the U.S. Army and band sponsor programs for furthering my experience.”

This year, the U.S Army All American Bowl will be on Saturday, Jan. 3 at 12 p.m. live on NBC.