ABOUT ME:

Hi, I’m Miley Bales, and band has been a defining part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve been a proud member of the Hanceville Marching Band for five years, where I currently serve as Majorette Captain and Feature Twirler. Over the years, baton twirling has given me opportunities to compete and grow in incredible ways. I’ve been honored to earn titles such as Miss Majorette of Alabama, AYOP 2-Baton Champion, Alabama State Solo Champion, and Hall of Fame Solo Winner. Within band, I’ve received recognition as Highest Scoring Feature Twirler at band competitions, along with numerous Superior and Best in Class awards within the majorette section. Outside of band, I stay active in my school and community serving as Leo Club President, a proud member of National Honor Society, a Mental Health Peer Helper, and holding titles such as Homecoming Queen, Miss Enhancer, and Hanceville Fair Queen. Looking ahead, I plan to attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and audition to be a twirler with the Marching Mocs! I will pursue a degree in Elementary Education and to come back to Hanceville to teach! My goal is to continue inspiring others whether it’s through teaching, leadership, or helping students find their own success. 

CREATING MARCHING FORWARD LEGACY:

Marching Forward Legacy was founded from a place of purpose and remembrance. When I first had to come up with a service initiative for the Fair Queen Pageant, I honestly had no idea what to do. I wanted to create something that meant something, not just a project. Then, when our band booster president, Rodney, passed away, everything clicked. He was such a huge part of our band family, always supporting every student and doing whatever he could to help. That’s when Marching Forward Legacy was born, a nonprofit to help students who can’t afford band fees. Starting this nonprofit felt like the right way to honor Rodney and to give back to the place that’s given me so much. Band is truly my passion it’s my safe space, my second family, and the place where I’ve learned leadership, confidence, and teamwork. Through every performance, I’ve discovered that music and service have the power to connect people and make a difference.