GRANITE QUARRY — East Rowan High School student Madison Lovingood has been selected as a 2018 U.S. Army All-American performer.

She joins an elite group of marching band members who will perform during halftime at the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

“Being a successful band member not only requires great skill, but also a commitment to teamwork,” said Elizabeth F. Wilson, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for marketing. “To be an Army All-American requires students to excel musically and academically, but most importantly, as young people of character. The U.S. Army is proud to honor all of our talented 2018 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band members and commend each of them on their selection to this elite group.”

The All-American Marching Band recognizes the top 125 high school senior marching musicians and color guard members from across the country. The All-American Bowl consistently draws an annual crowd of more than 40,000 to the Alamodome and is the most-watched high school sporting event of each year, with 5.1-million viewers tuning in to last year’s broadcast. The bowl will be nationally televised live on NBC on Jan. 6.

“As the official champion of dreams, American Family is honored to salute these all-Americans as they work hard to pursue their dreams with the encouragement of family, coaches, friends and their communities,” said Telisa Yancy, chief marketing officer for American Family Insurance, sponsor of the bowl. “These All-Americans embody what American Family Insurance stands for — hard work, inspiration, dedication and committed support from those around them make any dream achieved possible.”

For 18 years, the All-American Bowl has been the nation’s premier high school all-star event and football game, serving as the launching pad for future college and NFL stars. Odell Beckham Jr., Andrew Luck, Eric Berry, Tim Tebow and Sam Darnold are just some who made their national debuts as U.S. Army All-Americans.

A total of 351 All-American alumni have been selected in NFL drafts. Last year’s bowl drew an all-time record crowd of 40,568 to the Alamodome.