Newton High School marching band students have a chance to perform during the Sugar Bowl halftime show, but that won’t happen unless they can raise $6,000 by Dec. 15.

They’re hoping the community they represent will step up and help them make history.

According to Band Director Jason Smith, this would be the first time the school had any student representing the school at an event as big and prestigious as the Sugar Bowl, which takes place in New Orleans in January. The 45 students, eight of whom are seniors, would perform with 18 other bands from across the country.

The band is scheduled to play a four-minute medley with the other students during their mass performance, as well as perform some standalone pieces in the historic French Quarter and at a gazebo on the Mississippi River.

"This is a really big deal," Smith said. "It’s the first time these kids will perform on an international stage with over 70,000 fans watching live from all across the country."

The program set a goal for $550 per student at the beginning of the year, but that didn’t cover the cost of meals or transportation. The group has since raised $25,000 through fundraisers and donations but still needs $6,000 by Dec. 15 to make the trip happen.

"We have done everything from car washes and doughnut sales to bagging groceries for tips," said Smith. "But money is tight these days and it’s hard to get people to donate, even for a good cause," he said.

"This is an experience that the students will be able to cherish throughout their lifetime," said Smith. "A lot of these kids probably won’t be able to even attend another college football game of this magnitude, much less play on the field. It is an amazing opportunity for them, but if we can’t raise the money then we won’t be able to go."