Maku Wood, a junior recurve archer for Precision Shooters JOAD in Tucson, recently participated with her high school band in the 80^th Anniversary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  Maku is one of four snare drummers in the Catalina Foothills High School Marching Band.  The band was one of only eleven bands invited to march in the annual parade.

All members of the invited bands were given the opportunity to write an essay to compete for the Bob Hope Band Scholarship Award.  Maku won the scholarship based on her essay about a fictional round of golf with Mr. Hope.  The essay contest was “designed to honor one outstanding band member and school band program.”  The band member had to reflect the following values and attributes: musical ability, leadership initiative, sense of humor and a strong commitment to community service.  Maku received a $5,000 scholarship for her education and an additional $5,000 for the band program.

In her essay, Maku included an integral comparison of Bob Hope’s commitment to golf and her commitment to archery, which tied the essay together.  JOAD has helped her build character and develop perseverance through long hours of practice.  On Thanksgiving, she owed many thanks to archery.