‘Onceinalifetime experience’: Benedictine students set to perform at presidential inauguration parade
Jan 16, 2025
GOOCHLAND COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- History is in the making for Benedictine College Preparatory, a historic all-male high school in Central Virginia. For the first time in its over 100-year history, the school’s cadets will march in the Presidential Inauguration Parade.
Nearly 300 students will proudly represent their school, the state of Virginia and their time-honored military tradition on one of the nation’s most prestigious stages.
The cadets have spent weeks preparing for the big day, holding rehearsals and fine-tuning every detail to ensure their performance is nothing short of exemplary. Monday’s march will be a monumental moment for the school and a testament to the dedication of its students and staff.
“Being here for four years, I've just seen the way that our military program has improved throughout the years,” said Matthew Faraci, the battalion commander and a senior at Benedictine. “It really has built up to this year, this moment to get to march in the parade.”
The honor of performing at the inauguration is typically reserved for colleges and other prominent groups, making Benedictine’s selection all the more remarkable. Faraci attributes this achievement to the discipline and commitment the cadets have demonstrated throughout their training.
“That just shows how committed we are to this,” Faraci said. “I think that's definitely one of the big reasons we were chosen to go to the parade.”
Benedictine College Preparatory, founded in 1911, has long been known for its strong emphasis on academics, leadership and military discipline. For the cadets, participating in an event of such national significance is not just a personal achievement but a milestone for their school and its legacy.
For JeJuan Hutchins, a junior at Benedictine, the opportunity to march in the inaugural parade is about more than just representing his school. It’s about creating memories with his fellow cadets that will last a lifetime.
“When we're older and have kids and families, it's something we can talk about,” Hutchins said. “‘Hey, remember when we were in high school and we got to see the president and march?’ That’s what it’s all about: having those fun and exciting moments we can cherish.”
The sense of camaraderie among the cadets has been a driving force behind their success. They’ve worked tirelessly to coordinate their movements and ensure they present themselves as a cohesive unit worthy of the national stage.
"Just to be able to march and do what we do in representing the state of Virginia, as well -- that's pretty cool," Hutchins said.