From Oakleaf High School to the streets of New York City, one Clay County sophomore is getting the opportunity of a lifetime.
Fifteen-year-old Brendan Bowens has been selected to perform in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
Bowens will join the Macy’s Great American Marching Band on November 26, 2026, representing Oakleaf High School and the Clay County community during the historic parade.
A talented clarinetist, Bowens performs with Oakleaf High School’s Golden Regiment Marching Band and Wind Ensemble under the direction of Kayla Lemak. He also studies at the Lakeside School of Music, where he is expanding his musical abilities by learning the oboe while continuing to develop his clarinet skills.
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His musical journey started five years ago when he began teaching himself the clarinet through instructional videos, studying composers and learning to read music independently.
Since then, his hard work has earned him several recognitions, including third place at the 2025 Clay County Concert on the Green, the Quincy Jones Award for Contribution and Creativity in Music, and three consecutive selections to the Clay County All-County Band from 2024 through 2026. He was also featured as a soloist at a Lakeside School of Music recital in 2025.
Outside of music, Bowens is balancing a demanding academic schedule as a 10th-grade honors student with a 3.5 GPA. He hopes to become the first person in his family to earn a college degree, with plans to pursue chemical engineering.
For Bowens, music is about more than just playing an instrument.
“Music allows me to express emotion and connect with others in a meaningful way,” he said. “Being chosen for this parade is proof that hard work and believing in yourself pays off.”
Now, he’s looking for help from the community to make the trip to New York possible.
Bowens is seeking local business sponsorships and community donations to help cover travel expenses, lodging, uniform costs and performance materials.
How to Help Brendan
Community members who would like to help Brendan represent Clay County on the national stage can contribute through his GoFundMe campaign.
Local businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact his mother, Fannie Alford Bowens, at 516-425-2485 or akapretty08@icloud.com.
With the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade just around the corner, this Oakleaf sophomore is getting the opportunity of a lifetime — and he could use a little hometown support to help make it happen!
