South Cook News

State Sen. Michael Hastings (R-Frankfort) applauded the Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 marching band for their performance in the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Hastings posted high praise for the band on his Facebook page.

"Congratulations to the Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 marching band for their wonderful performance at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," Hastings wrote in Facebook post. 

Prior to their performance in front of a nationwide audience, the band posed for a picture in the heart of the Big Apple. 

"The Lincoln-Way Marching Band has made it to Times Square," LW District 210 wrote in a Nov. 23 tweet. "Be sure to watch for them at the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade this week!"

About 200 students, chaperones and Lincoln-Way staff members made the trip to New York City for the band's performance, according to Patch. The group also saw a Broadway show, visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Top of the Rock Observatory, and celebrated with a dinner cruise on the Hudson. 

"Thanks for representing the fighting 19th at one of the nation's most watched holiday events," Hastings posted on Facebook. "Your hard work, determination and dedication clearly showed."

Back in October the band was named Grand Champions at The Illinois State Marching Band Championships. Patch reported it was the third time the Lincoln-Way marching band won their state competition which scored them a spot performing in the parade. 

In May, Hastings also recognized students from the South Suburban high schools, including Lincoln-Way when they were named to the 2021-2022 Illinois State Scholars list by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Hastings said in an April Facebook post that the scholars deserved to be recognized for their hard work "as they preserved to emerge from a global pandemic as one of our state's brightest"