Band Uniforms and Tiaras

It's Christmas time, and the phrase Twelve Drummers Drumming has taken on a new meaning. I heard the best story about an unconventional Homecoming Queen.

I met a woman and her beautiful daughter while they were shopping at the Ogden Costco. The daughter attends Fremont High and was chosen by her classmates as the Homecoming Queen this past Fall.

Initially, this high school senior didn't care about the nomination, but as days went by, she found she really liked the idea of winning. She has a couple sisters who really got behind her as she shopped for her dress and prepared for the assembly. Aunts from different states also got involved in the excitement. The phone was always ringing off the hook with words of encouragement. The mother got misty eyed as she expressed how wonderful it was to see siblings supporting each other, void of jealousy or competition.

This girl was not your typical Homecoming queen. Back in my day, you could always count on the Homecoming queen being picked from among the song leaders or cheer leaders. This young lady was in the band. She was on the drum line.

The night of the homecoming game, she had two choices. Tell her director that she was going to sit out on the band number, so she could wait on the front row of bleachers in her gown like the other contestants, or go ahead and wear her band uniform and perform.

She decided to perform. They did their opening number. She drummed with her fellow drummers, and then the announcement came. She lifted the drum set over her head and off her shoulders, and ran across the field to where the announcement was being made. They gave her a crown, and helped her and the other attendants onto the back of a truck for the drive around the football field. She is probably the only homecoming queen Fremont High has ever seen who chose to wear a band uniform with her tiara. She is college bound in the next few months, and I'm sure she is going to be a influence for good in the world as she grows into an adult.

I was so impressed with the poise and composure of this young lady who chose to stay true to herself, even on a night like that. Her mother told me many have gained from her example. High School can be a difficult time for many teens as they try to fit in and be like everyone else. The desire for acceptance can often lead to compromised standards.

Be yourself, like who you are! Don't be afraid to march to the beat of a different drummer as you daily bring your own gifts and talents to the table of life. :)