It happens frequently with us here at Schools Count Corp. An individual here, a non-profit there or, in this case, a small group of high school students coming to the aid of others to make a difference.
Here's how it all unfolded. Nancy Schuessler, a volunteer with Schools Count, receives a phone call from a friend who wants to know if Nancy's daughter, Sarah, can perform "When the Saints Go Marching In" at a St. Isaac Jogues event. No problem right? Well, not quite!
Some sheet music was missing, time was short, some local band directors weren't exactly quick to respond to Sarah's plea for help and Sarah was having a bit of difficulty coming up with musicians to accompany her. Of course, all of this is taking place in the midst of school being in session!
Well, with Sarah's persistence, some help of her friends, and the timely assistance of Hinsdale Central's Jazz Ensemble Director, Jeff Waggoner, things started coming together. Jeff went so far as to make up the music arrangement when the sheet music wasn't there. Not exactly something that takes ten minutes to accomplish for a sax, trombone, tuba and trumpet!
With just a couple of days to rehearse for the Sunday event at St. Isaac's Alan Verona, Diana Kelterborn, Michael Sarantos, Elliot Wilm, Dan Wolf, and Sarah Schuessler had to practice on their own.
The event came off without a hitch. The 6-member band paraded around the St. Isaac Johes cafeteria playing music for parents who had gathered for a religious education program. The band then proceeded to gather a number of children from an adjoining room. With kazoos in hand, the St. Isaacs children enthusiastically joined the band as they re-entered the cafeteria to perform for the appreciative parents.
Due to the generosity of the Religious Education Office at St. Isaacs, the six students were well paid for their performance. Rather than keeping all the money for themselves, Dan, Sarah, Alan, Diana, Michael, and Elliot donated $160.00 to our charity! What unselfish and kind young adults. Imagine donating money to a charity, pulling the event together, helping St. Isaacs and donating their time and talents on a Sunday. Pretty special!
Our thanks goes out to the Religious Education Office at St. Isaac's, Jeff Waggoner, Mr. & Mrs. Bjeldanes, Nancy Schuessler, and, of course, the six students who made this happen.
On behalf of everyone at Schools Count Corp., please know we are grateful for you assistance and kindness.
Dick Flesher
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