By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA–The Pride of Shelby County marching band will have the honor of leading the parade at Gov. Robert Bentley’s inauguration in Montgomery on Monday, Jan. 19.

This marks the second time since 2011 that the Shelby County Marching Band will help welcome Bentley into office.

The SCHS band has approximately 125 members who have been preparing ever since they returned from the Christmas holidays according to SCHS Band Director Tom Grigsby.

“It’s indeed an honor,” said Grigsby. “We are out of school that Monday and the kids are giving up their day off, but it’s an honor to get to do it.”

The day will begin with the swearing-in ceremony at 9 a.m. and following the swearing-in will be the inaugural parade along Dexter Avenue, according to the Alabama inauguration website.

Bentley is a native of Columbiana and an SCHS alumnus.