Education

7 Fayette Co. students will march in New Year’s Day Rose Parade. Who are they?

The Lafayette Band, "Pride of the Bluegrass," marched in the 124th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on New Year's Day.
The Lafayette Band, "Pride of the Bluegrass," marched in the 124th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on New Year's Day.

Seven high school musicians from Fayette County Public Schools will march in the 137th Rose Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California, district officials said.

Four of the students are from Lafayette, two from Paul Laurence Dunbar and one from Henry Clay.

The teens will join peers from across the country in the Bands of America Honor Band, an ensemble with more than 250 performers including winds, percussion, and color guard.

The students will spend a week in Southern California to rehearse, perform at the Tournament of Roses Bandfest and participate in special activities.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1.

The 2026 theme is “The Magic in Teamwork,” and the parade will include floral floats, marching bands, and equestrian units.

The students are:

  • Harper Hamann, drum major, Paul Laurence Dunbar
  • Micah Kelly, tuba, Lafayette
  • Cole Kiser, trumpet, Henry Clay
  • Timothy Li, flute/piccolo, Dunbar
  • Silas Poston, bass, Lafayette
  • Caleb Sosby, clarinet, Lafayette
  • Carter Sosby, baritone, Lafayette

This story was originally published December 26, 2025 at 5:00 AM.

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Valarie Honeycutt Spears
Lexington Herald-Leader
Staff writer Valarie Honeycutt Spears covers K-12 education, social issues and other topics. She is a Lexington native with southeastern Kentucky roots.  Support my work with a digital subscription
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