PALESTINE —
The Westwood Independent School District band program has been turning heads lately — and not just with its sound, but with its brand-new Panther band trailer.
The 28-foot long trailer, which features a large black panther in front of a music staff notes, was purchased through a joint effort of the WISD school board and the band boosters.
It has already been used in several events, including two contests and an away football game and was driven through the recent Hot Pepper Fest parade Saturday in Palestine.
“We have had other band directors and band booster members from other schools come up to us and tell us how impressed they are,” band booster activity coordinator Debbie Chambers said. “The kids see that and they get excited about it.”
The design for the trailer wrap was submitted by and voted on by fellow band students, with student Kaitlyn Webb’s design winning the contest.
“We wanted bring a sense of pride into the community, and to make a statement when we are at out of town events,” Chambers said.
Prior to obtaining the trailer, the band had to rent trailers to haul their instruments and equipment to out-of-town games and contests — which cost the district about $3,000 a year.
“Having the trailer will eliminate that cost,” band booster president Jimmy Chambers said. “We like being able to save money for the district and the community.”
RAM Auto, a major sponsor for the trailer, took the content and premise of Webb’s design for use on the wrap’s design — installing the wrap and donating $1,000 toward the project.
But the wrap is not quite paid for, as band boosters are asking the community for help in funding the remaining balance of $2,800.
“We would like to have the funds raised by the end of the year,” Jimmy Chambers said. “The sooner we can pay for it the sooner we can put our money to other uses.”
Those who donate at least $50 towards the trailer wrap will have their names listed on the back of the trailer as a sponsor. The donor list has already been started and boosters are hoping to gather as many as possible before placement on the trailer.
The booster club has held several fundraisers for the project, including selling spirit ribbons and wrist bands, cupcakes at schools and concessions at games. It also has held fundraiser suppers at Mazzio’s Pizza and plans a spaghetti supper for Dec. 18.
An all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast fundraiser will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Applebee’s in Palestine. Cost is $6 a plate and band members will serve as waiters and waitresses.
“We want to thank the school board and all the sponsors for helping us get the trailer,” Debbie Chambers said. “The whole project has been a team effort, not just by the parents but the students and the community.
“We want them all to feel a sense of ownership — to feel like they are a part of it.”
To make a donation toward the trailer wrap, e-mail the Chambers at jchambers562@yahoo.com or dlchambers@westwoodisd.net.
Trailer sponsors include: Ram Auto, Willow Creek Chiropractic Wellness Center, Premier Services Inc., Mike Gaines Garage, Buddy’s Electric, Reliance Well Service Inc., Barone Family, Dr. Westmoreland Family Dentistry, Warren Collision and Body, Vance Brothers, Rucker Equipment, Pinnergy Palestine, JR Muffler and Graham RV Park.
The Westwood ISD band director is Richard Evans and the assistant director is Shayla Skief.
Mary Rainwater may be reached via e-mail at mrainwater@palestineherald.com
Local Scene
Related Photos
-
The Westwood Independent School District band boosters recently obtained a trailer for the sixth through 12th grade band students, with an art wrap designed by a band student. The boosters are raising funds to pay for the rest of the wrap. Courtesy Photo
Discussion
Westwood band boosters seek donations for trailer art
- Local Scene
-
-
New mayor, others sworn in
Newly elected mayor Therrell Thomas took his new position on the Palestine City Council on Monday, being sworn in along with council members Steve Presley, Vernon Denmon and James Yelverton.
Thomas, who most recently held the District 5 seat on the council, defeated opponent Timothy Triplett, 471-432 votes, for the city’s top seat on May 11. -
Red Fire Grille chef named in Best Chefs America book
Executive Chef Christian Mailloux of Red Fire Grille restaurant in Palestine has been honored as one of the country’s top culinary talents in the inaugural edition of Best Chefs America, a 386-page coffee table book.
-
Framing History: Texas Art Depot preserves Civil War-era flag
Preserving memories is one of the things The Texas Art Gallery owners Mike and April Johnston enjoy doing the most in their business.
-
OUR TOWN: Area students win scholarships from The Terry Foundation
Two Anderson County high school seniors, Heather Lindy Wooden of Westwood High School and Nathaniel Aaron Edwards of Slocum High School, were recently named recipients of the highly sought after scholarships from The Terry Foundation.
-
Hill leaving post as chamber director
Meghan Hill, who has served as the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce’s executive director for the past three years, gave her resignation notice this week after accepting a job in Tyler.
-
Tea Party Ballet
-
VA2K Walk and Roll
-
YMCA T-Ball Action
-
Woman wins, donates $10,000 to PHS Project Graduation
When most people win money — especially a large amount like $10,000 — they start figuring out how they are going to spend it.
But when Texas Farm Bureau Insurance agent Toni Rogers won $10,000 during the Palestine High School Project Graduation’s annual “Draw Down” dinner on May 10, Rogers chose to donate it back to Project Graduation. -
Opening Day
- More Local Scene Headlines
-
Raw: Aerials Show Path of Oklahoma Destruction
Raw: Widespread Destruction in Moore, Okla.
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
Raw: Japan's WWII Atrocities Under Fire in Seoul
Voters Could Elect LA's First Female Mayor
Raw: Rescuers Pull Tornado Survivors to Safety
Oklahoma Gov: 'Hearts Are Broken' After Tornado
Raw: Walking in a Flattened Okla. Neighborhood
Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School
Raw: Witness Describes Scene After Okla. Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma
Raw: House Burns After Massive Oklahoma Tornado
Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma
Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead
White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media
Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq
Pug Life on Display at Wisconsin Festival
Company Promises to Make All Snail Mail Digital
Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings
