(5:44pm: Town of Old Lyme Proclamation text now added) You just know something big is happening at Lyme-Old Lyme High School when you have to park in the junior parking lot …
Well, the signs were right — it really was a night to remember in Old Lyme yesterday evening. Braiden Sunshine came home from his amazing run on NBC’s ‘The Voice’ in which he ended in Top 9 … and the town certainly rolled out the metaphorical red carpet for him!
The Commons at the high school was packed to capacity with town and state dignitaries, Braiden’s friends and relatives … and a mass of screaming fans!
Despite his now national fame, Braiden remains the humble young man (just 15-years-old) that we all feel we’ve known — and been listening to — for ever, and he gratefully acknowledged the attention he was being given by so many of all ages.
When Old Lyme First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder gave him a proclamation officially declaring Friday as ‘Braiden Sunshine Day,’ he betrayed an almost childlike delight. Reemsnyder read aloud the Proclamation, which cleverly used many of the songs that Braiden had sung on “The Voice,” (in bold) as follows:
WHEREAS, it is TRUE that BRAIDEN SUNSHINE is a sophomore at Lyme-Old Lyme High School; and,
WHEREAS, Braiden is the youngest contestant ever to appear on NBC’s The Voice; and,
WHEREAS, With AMAZING GRACE, Braiden earned the loyalty and support of fans across the United States; and,
WHEREAS, Braiden’s performances on The Voice made front page news in newspapers throughout our State, and the lead news story on our local television and radio stations; resulting in a RADIOACTIVE reaction in our community, and,
WHEREAS, Viewer response to Braiden’s performances on The Voice led to his advancement to the semi-finals!; and,
WHEREAS, Friends in Lyme & Old Lyme were FEELING GOOD about seeing Braiden’s parents (& later, grandparents!) in the audience of the Voice; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Selectmen of The Town of Old Lyme hereby proclaims December 18, 2015 as Braiden Sunshine Day in the Town of Old Lyme, and encourages all residents, businesses and organizations in the Town of Old Lyme to celebrate Braiden’s success!
Lyme First Selectman Ralph Eno then invited Braiden to serve as the Grand Marshall of the 2016 Fourth of July Parade in that town — another honor Braiden gleefully accepted.
Next up was State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd), who presented Braiden with a State of Connecticut citation, the text of which noted it was in recognition of: “Your top 9 finish on Season 9 of NBC’s “The Voice”, adding, “You have made Lyme, Old Lyme, and the State of Connecticut very proud for all you were able to accomplish. Not only was your wonderful singing ability on display for the world to see, but your courage and kindness were as well. We are all looking forward to your bright future ahead.”
And then the moment for which the fans had been waiting … Braiden sang … and he didn’t just sing … he sang his heart out … accompanied by long-time friend and fellow performer Ian Maxwell. Braiden sang songs that were his personal favorites and songs that he had performed on ‘The Voice.’ Each one was followed by deafening applause, cheers and screams.
Braiden was home for Christmas … and the people of Lyme and Old Lyme came out in force to celebrate his success and show him how proud they were of him … congratulations again, Braiden!