Each year, America anxiously prepares for one of the most anticipated events in sports history: the Super Bowl. Not only is it one of the most watched televised events to ever hit our airways, it is also one of the most sought after events for celebrities and famous personalities alike. This year, Super Bowl XLIX was held in Glendale, Arizona, which led to a unique opportunity to have  some of Perry’s own perform during the halftime show watched by millions.

A group of students from Perry’s band were selected along with 3 other schools to perform on the field during the halftime show. Out of several schools across the state, our band was chosen after sending in an audition tape. Sophomore Katherine Fernandez, shared her nerves before performing during Super Bowl XLIX, “I’m really excited for it; it’s kind of nerve wracking because there’s going to be 3 million people watching.”  In fact, there were approximately 120.8 million people tuning in to this year’s Super Bowl.

Principal Dan Serrano believes it is an honor to be apart of such a prestigious event and that our band was the right choice. “…a lot of bands auditioned and they only picked…three or four, so I think that says a lot,” stated Serrano. The band worked very hard to perform during the show and was well deserving of it. “They work really hard, they are always here.” Serrano added.

Another student was given the once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of the main halftime performance that many look forward to. Sophomore Anjelica Body danced onstage along with world renowned pop star, Katy Perry. Body’s mother was one of those in charge of the halftime show, which allowed her to the opportunity to participate in this extraordinary event.

Body became a part of a group of backup dancers after presenting herself for the position. “…they had open volunteer spots…so I volunteered,” stated Body. She was part of the “wave cast”, and performed during Perry’s hit song “California Gurls”.

Dancing for over 10 years, Body saw this as a huge honor, “I feel like as a dancer, it’s a dream come true…” she added.

English teacher Alesandra Viera was also included in the halftime show, dancing on the field with members of the ASU and U of A dance teams. Viera was chosen to dance after her old dance teacher sent in an audition tape for her.

Viera was thrilled to be part of the halftime show and believes it is something she will never forget. “It was such an amazing opportunity but it was a lot of hard work so it was not easy,” she stated.

Some people wait a lifetime to have their dreams fulfilled; for our lucky Pumas, that time was now and it was thrilling to be a part of it, even for those watching from home.