A High School Journalism Network collaboration

By Mackenzie Atkins, Cy-Fair High School, Ngoc Dinh, Cypress Ranch High School and Van Chmielewski, Cypress Woods High School

Cy-Fair High School senior Christy Johnson and junior Camryn Hill are among 300 students selected to perform with the Bands of America Honor Band at the 137th annual Rose Parade on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Addison Lawrence, Cy-Fair High School)

Nov. 12, 2025—Four CFISD students will march in the Bands of America Honor band in the 2026 Rose Parade on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, CA.

Cy-Fair High School senior Christy Johnson and junior Camryn Hill; Cypress Ranch High School junior James Wilson; and Cypress Woods High School junior Mitchell Timmons are among students selected from all 50 states to perform with the ensemble. In addition to the Rose Parade, which is broadcast around the world, participants will be included in the Tournament of Roses Bandfest and other activities.

Cypress Ranch High School junior James Wilson was selected to perform with the Bands of America Honor Band at the annual Rose Parade on Jan. 1. (Photo by Olivia Garza, Cypress Ranch High School)

This isn’t Johnson’s first televised performance; she participated in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade last year in the color guard.

“I’ve been to the Rose Parade before, but just to watch it,” Johnson said. “I thought it would be a cool opportunity.”

Although preparation will require long hours of learning music and choreography for the parade, Hill plans to make time for fun.

“Even though the week of the parade is going to be busy,” Hill said, “we are also going to go to Disneyland.”

The Rose Parade, which draws thousands of spectators each year, is a showcase of pageantry and talent. Marching in the parade is a recognition of skill and an opportunity to join musicians from across the country in sharing a passion for marching.

Cypress Woods High School junior Mitchell Timmons was selected to perform with the Bands of America Honor Band at the annual Rose Parade on Jan. 1. (Photo by Austin Healy, Cypress Woods High School)

For Wilson, this moment marks more than just an honor; it is a significant milestone in his personal and musical growth.

“This means that I have grown as a person and a musician as well,” Wilson said. “I’ve gotten better at music, learning everything in between.”

After living his life with scoliosis, Timmons had spinal fusion surgery and was prohibited from performing any physical activity for six months. Just when he thought he was deprived of marching this year, Timmons was granted with a huge opportunity, marching in the annual Rose Parade.

“I really want to represent the Cypress Woods band beyond Texas,” Timmons said. “I’m expecting long rehearsals and practicing but I’m pretty confident.”

The annual Rose Parade will air on Jan. 1 on ABC, NBC and Univision and stream live on Peacock starting at 7 a.m. CST.