Pell City High School cheerleader Amelia Alverson went viral after her rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was shared on social media.
The high school senior’s moment came during a basketball game in February. It was senior night and Alverson knew she wanted to sing, but had no idea the reaction she would receive. After the video was shared on Facebook, it was viewed nearly half a million times.
“I’m just grateful,” Alverson told 1819 News. “I think everything's really sweet and it is a little bit overwhelming that so many people would take the time out of their day to say something nice about me. I mean, it's very sweet when it comes to somebody that you do know, but it means even more when it's somebody that I've never even met before.”
Alverson plays the piano but has never had voice lessons. Her mother, Lindsey Alverson, also sings, so the talent comes naturally.
“I am so proud,” Lindsey Alverson said. “Like, we are so proud. She is a blessing, and she always has been. She is very self-driven and has always strived for the best. We're so proud of her because she has the best heart and looks out for the people around her.”
“We're incredibly proud,” her father, Judd Alverson, added. “Her mother and I could not be more proud.”
Alverson hopes the national anthem being played thousands of times will help reignite patriotism in a tense time.
“I feel like the national anthem is just such a powerful song and just tells kind of the story of our country, so I feel like no matter what you believe or who you believe, the national anthem can make you feel pride for our country,” Alverson said. “I’m very thankful for everyone's responses, and I am just very happy that it can just bring some positivity, especially because we're kind of divided right now as a country, and it's just good to see that a song could bring people together.”
After graduating this year, Alverson will go to Auburn University to study nursing.
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