Schools

Windham Eighth Grader to Sing Anthem for Obama

Emma Joanis will tackle her first political gig on Saturday.

Windham eighth grader Emma Joanis has performed at Fenway Park, TD Garden and New Hampshire Motor Speedway, but she admitted that her next gig might stir up some nervousness come Saturday – singing for the President of the United States.

A member of the campaign for President Barack Obama contacted Joanis and her family on Monday to ask if the 13-year-old would be willing to perform the National Anthem. Obama will appear at Windham High School as part of two campaign stops.

"I'm just really excited," Joanis said. "I'm not quite nervous yet. I probably will be at the last second."

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Joanis called the appearance "different" for her, as normally she sings for sporting events.

"Right now I'm just excited about it and I'm a big fan of (Barack) Obama," she said.

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Her mother, Wendy, said that the family just had to get White House clearance and background checks as preparation for the event.

She said that Emma is trying not to think about singing too much, just like she's done at any of her previous events.

"She's seen her voice teacher and she's singing here and there, that's about it," Wendy Joanis said.

The Obama campaign, according to Wendy, set aside a bunch of tickets for the family. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins will all crowd in to watch the performance.

"We would have been excited no matter what that Barack Obama was coming to Windham and our high school – this obviously just makes it extra special for us," Wendy Joanis said.

While there are no guarantees, both mother and daughter hope to meet Obama and get a photo following the appearance.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at WHS. Information on


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