Junction City High School marching band students worked hard Saturday morning to raise funds for their trip next May to the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C.. They ran and walked laps around the track at Al Simpler Stadium as part of their Band on the Run fundraiser.

Band Director T.J. Taylor noted students were asked to secure a pledge amount per lap from sponsors, and in one hour they cover as many laps as possible around the track, a pledge amount times the number of laps is prepared, and the bill is sent to the sponsor.

Makayla Powell ran 17 laps. ” My small goal was 12 but need to pass that, really excited, really happy I did.” She noted it was hard toward the end. “But at the beginning you have this thrill, you’re like I’m doing this for a good reason. I have this goal set, then you make it there, want to calm down but then you’re like I can go past this.

Lyra Olli is a member of the band. “We did Band on the Run. This is for going to Washington D.C since we’re going to  be playing in the Memorial Day parade.” Olli covered 21 laps around the track which equates to just over five miles.

Band Director T. J. Taylor was hopeful $10,000 to $15,000 could be raised through Band on the Run. The total amount needed for everyone to make the trip is approximately $100,000. There have already been some other fundraisers, and more are scheduled including a pancake feed and a pastry fundraiser.

During their trip to Washington D.C. the band will also do two stand still concerts including one at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and another at the John Phillips Souza statue. Among other activities they will also visit monuments and museums.