GREENSBORO, Ga. — Students from the Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) Band and Chorus received a special invitation to perform at the ‘Super Bowl of NASCAR,’ The Daytona 500. When band director Courtney Pilgrim discovered this opportunity last year, she knew it would be an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience for her students.

On the afternoon of Feb. 14, 56 students and 20 adults headed off for the incredible four-day trip.

The Daytona 500 fun kicked-off with the chorus performing at the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Race where they had the great privilege of taking center stage in the infield to sing “God Bless America.”

Music teacher Amy Reber recalled the excitement in the air, “singing in front of such a large audience was both exhilarating and terrifying, but the kids did a great job and were absolute rockstars through the entire process.”

She recalled a moment when a local elementary student, who was about to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, exclaimed, “WOW! They sound like angels!” Reber went on to say, “it was a very sweet moment, and one that meant a lot to our students who were quite nervous.”

Senior chorus and band student, Jewell Morris, shared her enthusiasm about the performance, “I had a great time performing in the chorus and band at the Daytona 500. Getting to sing in such an energetic environment and a in front of such a large audience was surreal. I’m so thankful for the LOA fine arts department for making these outstanding opportunities possible!”

After the ARCA Race, students were rewarded for their incredible performance with a night out at Dave & Busters where they rented out a party room for students and parents. After Dave & Busters, it was back to the hotel to prepare for an early Sunday morning departure of 5:30 a.m. to head to the Daytona International Speedway for check-in and warm-ups for their band performance.

The LOA Band, composed of students from 6th-12th grade, performed a 40-minute set outside the Chevy Gate as spectators were entering for an epic day at the Daytona 500.

“I think we all felt a little out of place being from a small school walking into the actual Daytona 500, but as soon as we made it through the first song our performance mode was set. There is a certain feeling you can get only from performing for a crowd. That, mixed with the overall atmosphere, created an exciting experience that I will never forget,” recalled Marlee Lyon, sophomore.

After their performance, the students had the exciting opportunity to sign the start and finish lines of the track where the NASCAR drivers would soon race. They also enjoyed a Pitbull concert, explored the impressive race cars, and witnessed the Blue Angels soar overhead. To add to the excitement, Air Force One made several low passes for the crowd as President Trump arrived for the race. Several students even appeared on Fox Sports as commentators discussed the upcoming race. The students also had the chance to see race car driver Denny Hamlin up close as he prepared for the big event.

To fully celebrate all their hard work and dedication, students and parents were able to enjoy an unforgettable time at SeaWorld on Monday.

“This trip was an unforgettable experience. The students had the incredible opportunity to perform at one of the largest sporting events in the world. I’m deeply grateful for the students’ hard work, which made the performance so remarkable. I’m also thankful to our supportive parents and the school administration for allowing us to perform at such a prestigious venue. We created lasting memories and had experiences that many people still dream of” said, Courtney Pilgrim, middle and high school band director.

The students from LOA made memories that will last a lifetime and the trip was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and talent. The opportunity to perform on such a grand stage, surrounded by the excitement of NASCAR, was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these students. With the support of their teachers, parents, and school administration, the LOA Band and Chorus proved that with passion and perseverance, incredible opportunities await.