The Delta Chapter of API was recently lauded at a “Day of Reflection” breakfast held at Chalmette High School on August 28 in commemoration of the 4th Anniversary of Katrina’s devastation of St. Bernard Parish. The school system hosted a breakfast for over 500 community members, and many of the system’s partners, including API-Delta Chapter, were invited to be part of the event.
The morning featured student-led performances centered on memorializing those who perished in the disaster and the devastation Katrina caused. The second-half of the morning, however, focused on reasons to celebrate the rebuilding of the parish through a light-hearted game show conducted by the students. The school jazz band performed a “Stomp” routine using construction materials “won” by the game show contestants, while members of its dance team performed a lyrical routine to the music. The school chorus also performed for their guests.
Paul Rainwater, Executive Director of the LRA, and Tony Russell, of FEMA’s Louisiana Temporary Recovery Office, praised the school district for its leadership in remarkable recovery efforts. Superintendent of Schools Doris Voitier listed the support of its partners as among the reasons for the success of the recovery of the school district. She cited, in particular, the Kellogg Foundation, the Lions Club International Foundation, Exxon-Mobil, Entergy, Murphy Oil, the Meraux Foundation, and API-Delta Chapter.
After the morning event, which also was attended by Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu, Senator David Vitter, and Congressman Charlie Melancon, the entire crowd was invited to attend a ribbon-cutting at the high school’s new 9th-Grade Academy. The group second-lined behind the band across a covered walkway, which now spans Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette, into the new 3-story classroom building. That building houses 3 new science labs which were equipped, in part, through donations from APIDelta Chapter.
Attending and representing API-Delta Chapter were Jan Catalano and Peggy Bourgeois. Jan said, “The presentation was fabulous. It is a shame the media does not pick up on all the school district has accomplished and their spirit (during recovery). They have accomplished so much!”