Teen sings national anthem before president's rally

HERMITAGE, Pa. -- Alexa Magnotto, 14, of Hermitage sang the national anthem at the opening of a rally for President Bush at Veterans Stadium in Erie on Saturday.
"It was a lot of fun. It was very, very hot," said Alexa's mother, Aileen Magnotto.
Alexa has been singing for several years and made her own compact disc of patriotic music two years ago as a fund-raiser for the Prince of Peace Center in Farrell, an agency that provides emergency support services for indigent families.
Aileen Magnotto said the opportunity to sing at the president's rally came up only a few days ago through Mercer County Republican party leaders involved in the rally. Alexa did not get to meet Bush, but sat behind him during the rally, her mother said.
There were about 20,000 people attending.
Alexa has performed the national anthem at Pearl Harbor, three NBA games, Pittsburgh Pirates games and many local events. She is a freshman at Hickory High School.