Prospect senior named U.S. Army All-American

Prospect High School senior Sydni Rotunno was selected from thousands of applicants to represent Prospect at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl game in San Antonio in January.

This is the first time a Prospect student has achieved this recognition. Rotunno, a Color Guard member, is one of only three from Illinois to receive this honor for 2017.

"Seeing Sydni mature as a performer over the last four years has been amazing," said Chris Barnum, band director for the Prospect Marching Knights. "She really puts in the time and the energy, and that is why she is able to do what she does."

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl visited Prospect in October, to recognize Rotunno and welcome her to the 2017 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. At the ceremony, she was given an honorary jacket before her fellow band members, classmates, friends and family.

By becoming a U.S. Army All-American, Rotunno joins an elite group. Only 125 high school marching band members among millions in the United States are selected. Band members are chosen not just because they excel musically, but because they are mentally and physically agile, they know the importance of teamwork and they are able to adapt to challenging situations, similar to U.S. Army soldiers.

"In my time here at Prospect, I have learned the value of hard work, performance and the pursuit of excellence," said Rotunno, of Mount Prospect. "Without the Prospect Marching Knights staff, I would not be the performer I am today."

The U.S. Army All-American Marching Band performs each year at halftime of the nationally-broadcasted U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The band will perform at noon Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017.