Principal Kenneth Barker is at the rear with librarian Lynda Paschal and Bryan Starnes. Front, Sara Clay and Khyati Somayaji. Click to enlarge.
photo by Nolan Elementary
When staff and students of Nolan Elementary learned that their librarian, Mrs. Lynda Paschal, was vacationing in Thailand when the disaster of the tsunami took place, the Nolan family felt their own great wave, a wave of fear. Through many phone calls to her family, it was learned that she was safe and had been in a different area, away from the greatest disaster.
When Mrs. Paschal returned, she shared several stories of the devastation she saw inflicted upon the families of South Asia.
Since two of Nolan Elementary's character traits are caring and self-discipline, the school quickly set up a Tsunami Relief Fund. During this one-week fund drive, the students donated money from their birthday and ice cream money, as well as allowances, to help the children of South Asia.
A container - handpainted by art teacher Kathy Nolan to represent the world - was displayed in the front lobby so that all teachers, parents, and visitors to the school could take part.
Kenneth Barker, the principal, was elated when donations totaled $4,430.
The money was donated by check to Save the Children.
Officials said, "It is the Nolan family’s hope that this small, heart-felt gift will help the families who are suffering from this terrible event."