DGS Senior Larissa Gurnic Selected for 2016 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band

On October 19, 2015, members from the U.S. Army and Bowl Games of America stopped at Downers Grove South High School to recognize Larissa Gurnic for being selected as a member of the 2016 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. A sousaphone player, she was selected by competitive audition from more than 1,300 other auditioning students from across the U.S. The band is comprised of only 125 of the nation's finest high school senior marching musicians.

In attendance were members of Larissa's family (including her parents Leah and Dennis Gurnic), D99 Board of Education member Mike Davenport, Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully, Illinois Music Educator Association Executive Director Darcy Nendza, U.S. Army Representative Staff Sergeant Lorenzo, and members of the school administration.

Mayor Tully proclaimed October 16, 2015 as Larissa Gurnic Day, and congratulated her on her accomplishments and as an ambassador for her school and community.

CLICK HERE TO See more photos from the event.

As a member of the marching band, Larissa will receive an all-expense paid trip to San Antonio, Texas in January 2016. Band members will rehearse with nationally renowned instructors for a week, culminating in a performance at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamo Dome, n annual East vs. West High School football game that features 90 of the best high school football players in America. The game is viewed live by over 38,000 spectators and will garner a live viewing audience on NBC of more than 2.5 million viewers.

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