Katrina Responses

 

The following words of appreciation are from programs and individuals  who received MHOF donated instruments to replace those lost due to Hurricane Katrina:

“Today was the FIRST DAY that we had a real band class…the students are flying high and instead of pretending to have instruments in their hands they actually are making beautiful music. The smiles and excitement tell it all…the students couldn’t wait to show their instruments to the administrators, teachers, friends and their parents.”
Mary Manceaux, Music Teacher
Theodore Roosevelt Middle School, Kenner, LA

 

“I would like to thank you for your efforts and the generosity of the Opus Foundation for helping our band/music program at Grand Isle School get back on its feet. Many thanks also go out to your donors who made our dreams come true. It would have taken many years to put the program where it is now, trying to replace all that we lost for Katrina. We are still having our music program working out of the cafeteria, waiting for our band room to be finished with its repairs. Just getting these instruments means the most to these students. Again thank you for your kindness and generosity, we will always remember what you have done for us.”
Richard Augustin, Principal
Grand Isle School in Grand Isle, LA

 

“I am sending this note of thanks to express my deepest appreciation for your generosity in donating musical instruments to the students of St. Clement of Rome. It has been a difficult time for us since Hurricane Katrina. The property loss of so many families has been appalling and is only surpassed by the personal suffering of each individual who has been a witness to this tragedy. We are striving to move forward towards a full and complete recovery and hope to once again experience a sense of normalcy in this community. Your contribution to our recovery is noble and yet another example of what a great and generous country we live in. We will always remember your help and kindness.”
Michael Genevay, Band Director
St. Clement of Rome in Metairie, LA

 

“I cannot believe how quickly your organization came through for us! We leave for the semester break this week, and I can certainly say that Christmas came early for us this year. The kids were absolutely bug-eyed when they saw the new equipment, and now no one has an excuse for not practicing over the break.”
Daniel Eitmann, Director of Bands
Slidell High School in Slidell, LA

 

“Today, my son Archie Browne Creech, a 6th grade student at Oak Mountain Middle School, came home with his very own trumpet. Three weeks ago, our family evacuated to Birmingham, AL from New Orleans as a result of Hurricane Katrina. At the time, we thought we would only be gone for a couple of days and would be returning home soon. Unfortunately, the levees in the city broke. At the height of the flood, our house held over 8 ft of water. Given those circumstances, we decided to stay in Birmingham and enrolled in our two boys in school. Archie absolutely loves band. Playing the trumpet has given Archie something to hold on to during this difficult time. It has been instrumental, so to speak, in helping him make a quick transition into our new life. When Mr. Atkins, the Band Director, told us that Archie would be receiving a brand new trumpet through your foundation, we were ecstatic. So much of our limited resources are going towards household necessities that we had told Archie it would be a long time before we could afford to buy him a trumpet. Now thanks to you, he need not to wait. We are very grateful to The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.”
Jessie Creech, parent

 

“The recent devastation brought to our part of the country, our community, and our schools by Hurricane Katrina at times seemed overwhelming, but with the assistance and kindness of many such as you, we are beginning to see positive signs that we as a community and a school system will again be strong. Many of our students and School System employees have lost many, if not most, of their personal possessions. The kindness you are showing will help greatly the tremendous efforts needed to revitalize and rebuild our community and schools. Despite the adversities we know we face, we also know that we are not alone. Kindness has no boundaries, and the friendship and generosity of the people throughout this country will be the lift that helps us over current obstacles. We appreciate your help as we continue our recovery, and we hope to make you proud of the results.”
Gayle Sloan, Superintendent
St. Tammany Parish Public School System in Covington, LA

 

“I want to extend a heartfelt thanks for bringing us a spot of joy. Christopher will proudly play his new instrument for many years to come. These last two months have been difficult for all of us here. This gift to my son helps us move another step towards recovery. Thank you.”
Sherron Dobson, parent

 

“We the faculty, staff and students of Worley Middle School along with our families would like to take this opportunity to thank your organization for donating all of the wonderful musical instruments. Your act of selflessness has facilitated the continued functioning of our music program. During a time of uncertainty and hardship, we were able to take comfort in knowing our children would continue to play the delightful music they know and love. By maintaining our band we could assure our students would begin to return to normalcy and for this we could never thank you enough. You have helped to keep the music alive here at Worley and this is a deed that Mr. Holland himself would be proud of.”
Faculty & Staff
Worley Middle School in Westwego, LA

 

“Since our school’s district is on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, all of the homes in our district were either destroyed or severely flooded by the hurricane. Our school also received about three feet of water throughout the school. We lost many of our school supplies, and the families lost almost all of their possessions. Thank you for the generous donation of instruments to our school’s music program. The kindness that has been shown to us has been a boost to the spirit of our faculty and students. Thank you again for your help. Your assistance helps us return to the important task of educating our students.”
Jane Freeman, Principal
W.L. Abney Elementary in Slidell, LA