Dear Editor,
I wanted to take a moment to share both some heartwarming and heartbreaking news regarding the Grants Pass High School Marching Band.
First, the good news: as many of you may remember, the Marching Band had been using an aging 1994 tractor and trailer to haul equipment to events. When the band traveled to California for competitions or Disney, they had to rent a truck, as the old tractor could not pass emissions inspections. The band’s dedicated volunteer truck driver, who works for Old Dominion Trucking, had often requested that his employer donate a retiring tractor. This year, that request was finally granted. Just a few weeks ago, the driver traveled to Portland to pick up a refurbished 2016 tractor, which Old Dominion had ensured was in excellent condition for many years of use. It was truly an answer to their prayers.
To express their gratitude, the band recently hosted a small gathering to thank the principals from Old Dominion for their generous donation.
Now for the bad news: Unfortunately, a group of band parents recently entered the trailer to ensure everything was organized for the upcoming trip to Disney, where the band will march down Main Street. To their dismay, they discovered that homeless individuals had broken into the trailer. The trailer had been used as a shelter, and in the process, the homeless intruders had ransacked the students’ uniforms, stolen supplies from the first aid kit, and left a mess behind.
This situation is made even more ironic given that a hearing regarding disabled homelessness is taking place tomorrow afternoon.
The incident has been reported to the Grants Pass Police Department, who are currently investigating the matter.
It’s a difficult situation, but we remain hopeful for a resolution and look forward to seeing our students represent Grants Pass at Disney. Thank you to everyone who continues to support the band through thick and thin.
Sincerely,
Anonymous