SR 163

Commending the Lightridge High School Marching Storm.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 13, 2026
WHEREAS, on October 28, 2025, the Lightridge High School Marching Storm band of Loudoun County was formally invited to perform in the London Parade, the annual New Year's Day celebration in London, England, on January 1, 2027; and
WHEREAS, Lightridge Marching Storm will be one of the few marching bands from the United States to have the distinct honor of performing in next year's London Parade, where it will appear alongside thousands of other performers from around the globe; and
WHEREAS, as part of the London Parade, a cherished spectacle that is one of the biggest New Year's Day events in the world, the Lightridge Marching Storm will appear before more than a half million spectators and hundreds of millions of television viewers worldwide; and
WHEREAS, in the five years since Lightridge High School opened, the Lightridge Marching Storm has been named a Bands of America regional finalist three times and also notably performed in Mickey's Celebration Cavalcade to honor the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World; and
WHEREAS, the accomplishments of the Lightridge Marching Storm are the result of the hard work and dedication of the student-musicians, the leadership and guidance of their director and teachers, and the unwavering support of their families and the entire Lightridge High School community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That the Lightridge High School Marching Storm hereby be commended for being invited to perform in London's 2027 New Year's Day Parade; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Jonathan Phillip, director of the Lightridge High School Marching Storm, as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for the band's achievement and best wishes for its success.