The U.S. Army marched into Hays today to present a Hays High Senior with a national honor.  Aislinn Walters was recognized at an assembly today where it was announced that she was being selected to join the All American National Marching Band next January.

Walters was one of 125 seniors chosen to march at the All American High School Football Game in San Antonio. She says that while she’s always enjoyed music, her passion for it really started towards the end of Junior High.

“I had a student teacher in middle school who was in the Fort Hays jazz band and he was giving out free tickets.  I went to the concert that night and there was a saxophone player his name was Brian Keller.  He was incredible; I couldn’t believe what he could do.  I started taking lessons from him and his inspiration, his passion just caught on.  I could hardly believe how much I grew to love it, even in a year.”

HHS Band Director Craig Maunteuffel told Hays Post that to be considered for this honor, Aislinn had to submit an audition last summer.  The audition included a video tape of her marching skills as well as a demonstration of her musical talent.

At the presentation, Walters was honored in front of her fellow music students as well as teachers, two Sergeants and one Captain from the US Army, other school staff, and her parents.  Another person present was Brian Ruder of America Family Insurance, a company that is a major sponsor of the All American Football Game.

Walters says she intends to attend FHSU after graduating high school and will initially major in music education, with plans to eventually pursue a master’s degree and eventually a PHD, though she isn’t sure in what field.