On New Year’s Day, amid all the terrible news about the suspected terrorist attack that killed at least 15 people in New Orleans’ French Quarter, the Houston ISD issued a statement that Waltrip High School student band members there to perform in the Sugar Bowl Parade on Tuesday were safe.
“The District can confirm all HISD students, parents, and staff in New Orleans have been accounted for and are safe.
“No HISD students were near Bourbon St. at the time of the incident, and all students, parents, and staff are currently safe in their hotel. Excursions and other student activities scheduled throughout the day have been postponed.
“Our students are accompanied by six HISD PD officers, 14 parent chaperones, and five HISD staff members, including Waltrip Principal Jeanette Cortez. HISD PD Chief Shamara Garner is in contact with local law enforcement in New Orleans.”
In November, photographer Darrin Clifton on assignment for the Houston Press sat in with Waltrip’s Roaring Ram Band as they practiced for the big event. Recognized as having one of the top five marching band programs among Title I schools in the country, they were offered a slot in the Sugar Bowl Parade.
Initially, the invitation was declined, a decision made by North Division Superintendent Orlando Riccick who said New Orleans was too dangerous to perform in, but that decision was reversed after a response by Mayor John Whitmire and HISD Superintendent Mike Miles.
