REELTOWN, Ala. (WSFA) – The Reeltown Marching Rebel Pride is getting ready for a unique show at Walt Disney World—this one honoring the memory of a cherished student.
Melody Jackson, who would have been a senior this year,passed away in 2024 due to a rare type of adrenal cancer. Despite her condition, Melody’slast desire was not for herself—it was intended for her bandmates to get new uniforms.
It constantly reminds us of her,” said Drum Major Amelia Dillman, “it’s as if she’s always here with us.
The group recently fulfilled that request with a performance at the Make-A-Wish Gala in Birmingham.
Recently, they have been asked to perform at Walt Disney World, providing them with a national platform to honor Melody’s life and the principles she represented.
“She showed us how to be considerate and to prioritize others,” said Audrey Stockdale, principal at Reeltown High School.
Reeltown High School has launched a fundraising campaignto assist in covering the expenses of the journey. School administrators state that contributions will be used for travel costs and aid the band in spreading Melody’s narrative to a larger audience.
“Others will listen to this tale and understand that we all have the power to create change if we simply consider others and treat them as we would like to be treated,” said band director Eric Thompson.
The group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity, and all contributions are eligible for tax deductions.
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