Plans are underway to send an even bigger contingent to Indiana next year, following the successful international debut of the Sandys Showtime Drumline at the Circle City Parade.The contingent returned home yesterday after performing before an estimated 100,000 strong crowd this past weekend.On hand to greet the returning students were Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith and Minister of Government Estates Michael Scott.“These young people represented our country proudly and well. They were wonderful ambassadors who left their mark on everyone they met,” said the Minister.“They were a credit to those who accompanied them and those who taught them. Well done, Sandys Middle School Drum Line.”Minister Scott echoed her remarks and had high praise for the group of performers.“They performed to a very high standard and this made Bermuda proud, on behalf of the people of Bermuda.“I thanked the young student Drumline corps and their Director Troy Washington, and the chaperones of parents who travelled with them for being true ambassadors while overseas and I thanked the students for being drum majors for their country,” said Mr Scott.Sandys Secondary Middle School principal Timothy Jackson said he was “extremely overjoyed and proud” of the students’ performance.“We were well received and the crowds thoroughly enjoyed the performance and their outfits for the parade.“The students had to adjust to the temperature, it was only 55 degrees on the day of the parade, but they still did good.”The students also had an opportunity to visit Perdue University and the home of famed singing brothers the Jackson 5, in Gary, Indiana.“The trip marked the first overseas performance by the group, and plans are underway to send an even bigger contingent next year.Fundraising for this venture started in June. The students participated in a number of fundraising activities in addition to bake sales and punch cards for donations.Another highlight of the trip was a visit to Dunbar Pulaski Middle School where Dr Jackson attended school as a child.“I even saw a few of my teachers who are still there, after 30 years they still have the same enthusiasm and energy they had when I was there.”The 40-member contingent comprised of students, teachers and parents also came in for a standing ovation at the Thea Bowman Leadership Academy in Gary, Indiana.“We also took pictures of the world’s largest drum on display at Perdue University,” said Dr Jackson.“We were well received and we had lots of positive comments from people who thoroughly enjoyed our performances. I think this was good for their development in terms of character building and maturity.“We even saw quite a few students between the ages of 11 to 15 mature during our short stay away from home,” he said.Dr Jackson also issued a big ‘thank you’ to all the parents of the student body “for their unwavering support” and for following the group’s tour on Facebook. The group has been in existence for just five years.“We are looking to send an even bigger contingent to the Circle City Classic next year,” he said.