Gwinnett Daily Post

Heather Brown

CLEVELAND, TENN. -- Four students who graduated from schools in Gwinnett County will take part in Monday's presidential inauguration ceremony on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

The students, who are members of Lee University's 200-voice choir, include Heather Brown and Alex Ubiera, both of Buford, D'Metri Mattocks of Lawrenceville, and Victoria Brock of Dacula.

A graduate of Dacula High School, where James Williams was her choir director, Brock is a sophomore public relations major at Lee University. Her parents are Gwen and Tony Brock.

The 20-year-old said she was "really excited" to learn that she was among those invited to the historic event. "I was kind of overwhelmed. It's very surreal and a great honor."

Mattocks, a Mountain View High School graduate and vocal music and psychology major, thought so too.

"I feel honored," said the 18-year-old. "I was speechless when I first found out." Mattocks is the son of Tonya Hensley and stepfather Archie Hensley.

Fellow Mountain View graduate, Brown, said she looked forward to "having a really awesome experience." Brown is majoring in music education with a vocal emphasis. "Not a lot of people have an opportunity like this," she said.

Ubiera, another Mountain View graduate and music education and Spanish major, said he's excited to "share my love of music and have the opportunity to be at such a historic event."

Ubiera is the son of Victor Ubiera and Martha Jimenez.

The three Mountain View graduates studied under the instruction of Carol Taylor.

On behalf of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander invited the choral group in November to sing at the swearing-in ceremonies that will take place around midday on the upper west terrace of the U.S. Capitol.

Led by Dean of the School of Music William R. Green, the 200-voice choir consists of students who have been chosen from seven campus choral ensembles including 350 vocalists, which perform regularly as part of the Lee University School of Music.