|
|
PARENTS' LETTERS
From other parents (Click on a name to see their letter)
Debbie Mejia
The year of 2000 was a very confusing year for our kids here in Kennesaw.
There was a new school being built and so many kids had the choice of being
separated from their friends by going to the new school or staying with
their friends at the old school. My daughter was no exception. She fought
me with everything she had to stay at Harrison with her friends. I made a
deal with her that if Mr. Harper went to work at the new school, she would
have to go there. If Mr. Harper stayed at Harrison, she would be allowed to
stay at Harrison.
The night at the West Cobb School, when they announced the band directors
for the new school, I was on the edge of my seat. I didn’t want my daughter
to stay at Harrison, but I knew that I made the deal with her and I couldn’t
back out. Then the moment came and my fears were over. Not only did Mr.
Harper go to the new school, but we would also get some guy from Pope. I
had seen Pope in the previous years and I knew they were good, so I was
excited!
Then we had to begin the formation of the new band program. The memory of
the first booster meeting is forever etched in my mind. We only had 20 or
so parents there because we only had 65 band kids. I looked around the room
and only knew a hand full of parents. I thought to myself, what did I get
myself into? During nominations for officers for the KMBO board, everyone
was pretty quiet. No one wanted to take on the huge responsibility of being
in charge and starting from scratch. When the office of president came up,
I heard a woman at the end of my row call out my name. I thought I was
hearing things and it wasn’t correct. Then she said it again and I knew it
was true. I was in shock, I didn’t even know the woman, but she knew me and
she thought I would do a good job. I accepted and became one the first
co-presidents.
It was hard in the beginning trying to establish all
the by laws, the constitution and most importantly the budget. Our
first budget was only $28,000! Life was tough…..we prayed everyday
that we would get some money in so we could buy the necessary items for the
program. I met with the band director on a daily basis to work out the
logistics of everything. We were on the phone with the treasurer every
day to see if any more dues had come in so we could pay bills.
The kids came together like yarn woven in a blanket. They were truly
amazing. Somehow I became the mother of a lot more kids than just my own.
We laughed together, we cried together and we all sweated together to make
the band program a success. Wow, here we are today, 4th place in
the nation from that one small meeting of only 20 parents and no money!
Mr. Starnes had a vision in the beginning. Together with Mr. Harper, they
have accomplished so much more than I could have ever asked for. It is
without a doubt that I can say that this band program is at the top of their
lists. Also, the students and the parents have the determination and drive
to take this program to first place!
I have spoken to different band booster organizations about the importance
of the band program. I will share with you the most important things that I
point out to parents. No where in high school can you find a group of kids
that are so wonderful. High school can be the turning point for teenagers
and the band program keeps them on the right track. This will be my 8th
year working with band kids and parents and I have never regretted one
moment. I have always told my kids that when they turn around or they
look up in the stands, I will be there. I will know of the sacrifices
that they have made and I will be right there beside them working hard to
support them. There is no where that I would not take ALL the band
kids. I am proud to call them my kids! I am proud of the family
that I have adopted since the beginning. From the directors to the
kids and the parent, we are one big family.
In closing, I must say that, when I started out working with the band
program at another school 7 years ago, I never even knew what a movement
was. I was clueless about everything the kids do. After watching how hard
the kids work from basic blocks to the competition, I learned. The moment
the kids step out on the field and start to play the music, my heart melts,
my eyes water and I know at the point that this is an exceptional group of
kids. And that there is no other band directors like the ones we have! I
know now why they call it a movement, the kids will move you! Their
performance and dedication will bring up every emotion that you have and
then it just keeps getting better, show after show.
Debbie Mejia
Mother of:
Juan Mejia-
tuba, sax- graduated 2001
Nubia Mejia-
tuba, sax- graduated 2003
Franchesca
Mejia- electric bass, percussion- 2007
|
