Elizabethton High School Senior Courtney Bowers will be named a member of the United States Army All-American Marching Band — the first from the school to receive the honor. She will be one of 24 students in the nation to be a member of the Band’s Color Guard.
On Friday, Oct. 6, at 11:15 a.m., representatives from the U.S. Army will host a ceremony at the Citizens Bank Stadium at EHS to induct Bowers to the Band in the presence of friends, family and the State Champion Betsy Band. The public is invited to attend this event, but all visitors must check in through the main office with state-issued photo identification.
To receive this award, a student must apply with numerous recommendations and then is selected by a panel of judges. Betsy Band Director Perry Elliott commended Bowers for her achievement, saying she is an excellent leader and a student of the highest character.
“Courtney is very deserving of this honor,” said Elliott. “She is a dedicated and hard-working member of the Betsy Band. Her pursuit of excellence has been rewarded with the All-American status, a recognition bestowed on only the nation’s best. I am thrilled that she is getting this well-deserved award.”
Courtney has been a member of the Betsy Band Color Guard for four years, in which the Color Guard was named State Champion twice. She has been a member of the band’s Varsity Rifle Line since her sophomore year, and has served as Co-Captain of the Betsy Band Color Guard for the last two years. Courtney was a member of the 2017 CIPA Independent Regional A Champion Happy Valley Independent Winter Guard, and attended the renowned Western Carolina University’s Summer Symposium for the last two summers. She first began participating in band in 6th grade at T.A. Dugger Junior High School.

Bowers is the daughter of Ellen Hutchins and Eric Bowers.
Bowers’ mother and stepfather, Charlie Hutchins, said they are thrilled for their daughter to receive this distinction. “I’m extremely proud and honored,” said Bowers’ mother. “Courtney is the first person from EHS who has been selected to the U.S. Army All-American Band, and she’s the only band member from the entire eastern region of Tennessee this year. We’re all so excited for her, and can’t wait for her to represent Elizabethton at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio this January.”