On Monday, January 19, the Shelby County High School “Pride of Shelby County” marching band led the parade for Governor Robert Bentley’s inauguration celebration.  125 students from Columbiana Middle School and Shelby County High School make up the marching band.

To participate in the parade, an organization has to be nominated by a state official.  Representative Mike Hill nominated The Pride of Shelby County.  This is the second time Shelby County has been in Governor Bentley’s inaugural parade, having first participated when he was first elected in 2011.  This year Governor Bentley, a graduate of Shelby County High School, personally told the band that The Pride of Shelby County was “his band” and that they would be leading the parade.

Shelby County Schools were not in session Monday, as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday was observed.  Students not only gave up their day off to march in the parade, but also had the distinguished honor of being the lead band.

“What an honor this is. We are fortunate to be here during this time and having this opportunity,” said Band Director Tom Grigsby. “Some students were in the band when it performed in the parade in 2011, but for most this was a once in a lifetime event.”