HERSHEY, Pa. Redbank Valley senior Emily Neiswonger had the opportunity few get to experience, singing the National Anthem before Saturday’s PIAA Class 4A girls basketball championship game between Blackhawk and Scranton Prep at the GIANT Center.
“I absolutely loved the experience,” Neiswonger said. “I’ve never actually done something this big before. From a small town perspective, this is just massive. I’m so thankful and blessed to have the opportunity.”
See Neiswonger’s full interview:
District 9 Assistant Chairman Kevin Doverspike heard Neiswonger sing and quickly got the ball rolling for Neiswonger to be able to perform on one of the biggest stages in high school athletics in Pennsylvania.
“One of my good friends, Kevin Doverspike, works for the PIAA,” Neiswonger said. “He heard us sing and went up to one of his buddies and said she’s an amazing singer and would you like to come to Hershey? That’s how it kind of happened. It was just an amazing experience and I give him all the thanks and gratitude for that.”
Emily Neiswonger sings the National Anthem before Saturday’s PIAA Class 4A girls championship game between Blackhawk and Scranton Prep. Photo by Paul Burdick.
Neiswonger has performed the national anthem many times, but never before a crowd as big as she saw on Saturday afternoon.
“I was a little bit, yes,” Neiswonger said about being nervous beforehand. “Once I got out there and saw the anthem and once they said my name I was like, okay, I’m a bit calmer, so I enjoyed the experience overall.”
