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We are delighted to re-publish this open invitiation to support the students of South Cobb High School in their efforts to attend and march in the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade. (For more of the South Cobb story, read the blog.)

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December 8, 2008

To Whom It May Concern:

As the proud principal of South Cobb High School, I reach out to you to share in this historic opportunity for our students and school community. This past weekend, it was announced that our Blue Eagle Marching Band was selected to represent Georgia in the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade. Our school was selected from over 350 applicants to be the lone representative of our great state.

Following the immediate cheers and tears of celebration, we now shift our focus to making this dream become a reality for our band students. The anticipated cost for this trip is approximately $700 per student, which totals a $71,000 expense for our school and band program. This expense includes everything from the obvious – transportation, meals and lodging – to the smaller details such as thermal clothing for a wintry three-mile parade route.

Our school serves a community with great socioeconomic and racial diversity. Put simply, this historic opportunity comes with a significant financial hardship for many students and families in our community. With 60% of our families qualifying for free and reduced lunch, it will take a community and state-wide effort to get our band from the streets of Austell to Pennsylvania Avenue.

We invite you or your organization to contribute through the following:

• Sponsor a child (full or partial) – donations will be received for children (by name) or to be allocated to a specific child based on a family’s financial need. The donor will be sent a letter from the child who received financial support.

• General contribution – to be applied towards general expenses.

All donors should complete the attached form to ensure all monies are allocated as desired. On behalf of the Blue Eagle Marching Band, I thank you for your consideration and support of our students.

Sincerely,

Dr. Grant Rivera, Principal

Mr. Zachary Cogdill, Band Director

>>> Donation Form <<<

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