An Apalachee High School marching band student is fundraising to perform in the London New Years Day Parade in January.
AHS senior Rhys Rugg and his fellow “Marching Cats” were invited by parade officials to perform in London’s largest New Year’s Day celebration featuring over 75 international acts. His family has now started a GoFundMe page to send him on the trip alongside his peers.
The funds will cover the costs for students’ hotel accommodations, travel, meals, sightseeing tours and a New Year’s Eve dance for students.
The fundraiser comes just a year after the fatal shooting on the school’s campus in Winder. Rhys shared that continuing with the school’s band program alongside his peers has been a part of his healing process. He said he hopes that the band's positive experience can bring a renewed sense of school spirit to ‘Chee Nation.
“For myself, when I started to get back into band, it just helped me move forward and through it, and that was really helpful,” he said. “But not every single student had that same kind of help… I feel like there's a little bit of healing as new steps are being forged. But I definitely think that with what the band's trying to do and how much support they're given, I really do feel like they're going to forge a path for everyone to follow upon.”
The GoFundMe page aims to raise $4,500 to send Rhys to perform alongside his peers.
“By supporting this fundraiser, you’re helping a young musician find strength through music, travel, and shared experiences,” the GoFundMe page said. “Your generosity will make it possible for this student to honor Mason, Christian, Richard, and Christina, perform for the world, and begin to move forward with hope.”
Donate to the GoFundMe page here.
