10-year-old Aleem "The Dream" leads the band at Virginia State homecoming

Most 10-year-olds watch the band from the bleachers. Aleem "The Dream" marched right onto the field. The Richmond, Virginia boy took his place alongside Virginia State University's marching band at homecoming as a drum major-in-training and he looked like he was born for it.

A homecoming to remember

Dressed head to toe in white, Aleem joined the band for the Trojans' homecoming game against Livingstone College on Oct. 10. Virginia State won the game 59-7 but plenty of fans left talking about the youngest leader on the field.

"It's a dream," Aleem said. "I just feel so great to be here."

It started with water buckets

Aleem says his story began when he was a baby. He and his twin brother turned household items into drums and banged out rhythms on water buckets. His brother eventually fell for football. Aleem never let go of the music.

He already had experience working with the band at Highland Springs High School. Homecoming at Virginia State was his first time marching with a college band. His mother Chante Washington set up the surprise. "I know they say you're never supposed to spoil a child, but it's okay in my book," she said.

Lessons from the big kids

As an honorary band member Aleem has been picking up new moves and conducting techniques from the college musicians around him. He is learning the discipline too. One rule he now knows by heart is that dropping your mace can earn you some push-ups.

Virginia State's drum major coordinator Maurice Bowles even helped put together Aleem's homecoming look.

Big dreams beyond the field

Aleem's goals reach past the 50-yard line. He wants to keep his grades up and earn a scholarship. His mother calls him outgoing and determined. Once he decides to do something he goes hard at it. "He's not a quitter," she said.

Washington said a whole community has shown up for her son, guiding him with patience even when he makes mistakes. "It's such a blessing to be around people that feed into your children, that are just positive with your children," she said.

Homecoming may be over but Aleem is already working on his next step. As his mom put it, "This is the beginning."