Cue the balloons: Park Vista band to perform in 2018 Macy’s parade

Just hours before school was out for the weekend, teachers called Park Vista High band members into the auditorium for a special announcement.

As students walked in, they took their seats with inquisitive looks as a group of reporters smiled back at them.

Only a few staff members knew what was about to happen, and they were sworn to secrecy.

After they settled in, a man addressed the students, explaining that he had flown in to deliver some news.

“Do you want to hear why I’m here?” he asked them. Keep up with The Post’s complete coverage of Boynton Beach on its Facebook page dedicated to the city. On Facebook, search for Post on Boynton Beach.

“Yes!” answered the impatient voices.

The man introduced himself as Wesley Whatley, the creative director for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And he flew in to invite the band to perform at the 2018 event in New York City.

And he said they would be the only band from Florida.

The teens cheered, clapped, screamed, threw their heads back and grabbed each other’s hands.

The Macy’s Parade Band Committee chose the Striking Cobra band out of suburban Boynton Beach from more than 100 applicants. The band is one of 10 that will perform in the parade’s 92nd year.

“At first I heard ‘New York,’ and I said, ‘Oh my God, that’s amazing.’ Then I heard ‘Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,’ and I said, ‘Oh my God, that’s even more amazing,’” said Stella Etienne, a sophomore who plays the flute.

Parade representatives gave the band a drum head that will be displayed on all drums during their Thanksgiving Day performance.