Andrew Jackson High School’s Flying Lady Tigers drill team is among a select group of performers taking part in Wednesday’s Presidential Inaugural Parade. Unlike previous inaugural parades, this one is virtual — due to COVID-19.
Major Trent Johnson is the commander of Andrew Jackson’s Air Force Junior ROTC program, which includes the Flying Lady Tigers.
The drill team was told to showcase Jacksonville. Johnson said they shot their 30 second video for the Parade Across America in front of Friendship Fountain on the Southbank.
“We can get the bridges, I can get the city skyline. But just the name [Friendship Fountain], you know, just seeing that for what we're doing, and for what this country has been through the past year. So I wanted to send a message without being preachy,” said Johnson.
Cadet Second Lieutenant Patrice Lindsey is among the young performers who worked hard for a chance on the national stage.
“This is a great opportunity, not as just a drill team, not as a school. But if I'm not mistaken, we're the only group that's been qualified in the state of Florida,” said Lindsey.
Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Keziah Hill said her team practiced long and hard for the opportunity to perform on the national stage.
“Originally, it was going to be in Washington. But of course, we still had to work hard to get into it. And we did. So it’s an honor to be a part of it,” said Hill.
The Presidential Inaugural Committee said all 56 U.S. states and territories will be represented in the virtual Parade Across America.
It starts at 3:15 this afternoon, Jan. 20. It is being livestreamed online at BidenInaugural.com as well as on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
Contact reporter Cyd Hoskinson at choskinson@wjct.org, 904-358-6351 and on Twitter at @cydwjctnews.
