Teacher Gets Honor Of Singing For President

Belting out the national anthem into a cell phone may seem a little odd. But that is exactly what got Meridith Harrison the honor of performing at the National Peace Officers Memorial Service held in Washington D.C.

"I was laughing at myself that I was sitting here with a cell phone singing and I'm sure people driving by thought I was insane," said Harrison.

Once a singer with the Tulsa opera, Harrison had planned on sending in a resume tape to the committee, but for personal reasons was not able to.

"My mother had passed away so I thought I'll just do it next year. And I got a call from a friend who is on the committee for setting up the service. She said we've been listening to some of the auditions and nothing is really sitting right with us would you still be interested?  I said I'd be happy to when would they like to hear me? Well right now," said Harrison.

The 7^th grade music teacher was driving home from school when before she knew it, she was pulled over warming up her voice to audition via speaker phone.

"Then, the next morning, my friend called me and said they loved it and would love to have you come," said Harrison.

The National Peace Officers Memorial Service on May 15th will honor Police officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in front of thousands including President George Bush.

As honored as she is about performing in front of the crowd she hopes her mother will also be listening in.

"She passed away November 20th, 2007. So my family is very proud of this event too. Because they know she's looking down and listening from heaven and I hope to continue to make her proud!" said Harrison.

By Margaret Stokes, NewsOn6.com anchor/reporter & Chris Howell, Video Journalist.  To see more of their stories, look in our Web Exclusives section.