Portsmouth's high school band has been chosen to participate in President Obama's Inaugural parade on January 21, according to an e-mail this evening from band director Ted Rausch. Said Rausch:

Happy New Year to All!!

It gives me an unbelievable amount of pleasure and excitement to officially announce that we are representing the state of Rhode Island in the nation's 57 Inaugural Parade. Last time PHS marched in this parade was for Ronald Reagan in 1981!! Even today, I still hear from parents and alumni who remember that parade as being one of their highlights of their high school years! Now it's your turn!

I do want to share with you a portion of the email I received on Friday, after thinking I was going to have a relaxing week of school when we come back!

Dear Mr. Rausch:

On behalf of President Obama, Vice President Biden, and the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC), were pleased to inform you that your organization has been chosen to participate in the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade.

Jim Wilkinson and the Music Boosters have been working hard over these last few days trying to organize this trip in order to give all of you the necessary information. A trip like this normally takes several months planning - we are going to do it in less than three weeks! So please bear with us as new information comes my way every day.

Congratulations to our amazing, talented band students, and thanks to the teachers, staff, and parents who make this all possible!