A Mechanicsburg High School senior is chosen to be a member of the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band and perform on national TV during the bowl game in January.
A ceremony for Jay Verbecken was held earlier than usual, because his father is being deployed next week. This way he was able to see his son's achievement. What an emotional ceremony for this high school senior, who broke down when his band mates cheered for him as he accepted the honor.
Tears of joy tell only part of Jay Verbecken's story. A percussionist with the Mechanicsburg High School marching band, he was selected to be a member of the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. That means he'll join 124 other high school students from across the country, to perform at half time during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Game in January.
Jay Verbecken:
"I feel pretty great, pretty humble. It's just a great experience you know? Music has been my life forever."
It's music that saved Jay when he needed it most. As a freshman he says he was bullied and turned to the marching band where he found strength and courage.
"Whenever I see someone that's down I always try to pick them up because I know what it's like to be put down and be down all the time."
And that's why Jay, is just as army strong as his dad, a sergeant in the national guard, who will be deployed Monday.
Sgt. Stephen Angeles, National Guard:
"Proud of my son, I'm sorry I'll be missing watching him, but I'm glad he was selected and they put this occassion on before I go away."
A ceremony for Jay Verbecken was held earlier than usual, because his father is being deployed next week. This way he was able to see his son's achievement. What an emotional ceremony for this high school senior, who broke down when his band mates cheered for him as he accepted the honor.
Tears of joy tell only part of Jay Verbecken's story. A percussionist with the Mechanicsburg High School marching band, he was selected to be a member of the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. That means he'll join 124 other high school students from across the country, to perform at half time during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Game in January.
Jay Verbecken:
"I feel pretty great, pretty humble. It's just a great experience you know? Music has been my life forever."
It's music that saved Jay when he needed it most. As a freshman he says he was bullied and turned to the marching band where he found strength and courage.
"Whenever I see someone that's down I always try to pick them up because I know what it's like to be put down and be down all the time."
And that's why Jay, is just as army strong as his dad, a sergeant in the national guard, who will be deployed Monday.
Sgt. Stephen Angeles, National Guard:
"Proud of my son, I'm sorry I'll be missing watching him, but I'm glad he was selected and they put this occassion on before I go away."