Three band students from Wakefield Community Schools, along with their band director, will be taking part in D-Day Memorial Parade and Musical Salute To The Veterans in Normandy, France next year.
Wakefield Band students: Rachael Nuernberger (trumpet), Susana Prado (clarinet) and Cataleena Lortz (flute) and band director Ms. Esly Ovando will take part in the trip from June 1 through June 9, 2022.
The girls are all seniors at Wakefield High School and Ms. Ovando is in her second year of teaching at Wakefield.
Ms. Ovando came upon this opportunity in January 2021. She had several members of her band try out. To try out for this opportunity, band members had to submit an application, audition and write an essay.
In May of this year, Ms. Ovando received word that Nuernberger, Prado and Lortz were accepted.
"This honorary event that we will be attending is a once in a lifetime opportunity for my students and me. I did not expect the response we are getting from the community. They are so supportive and proud of these girls for participating in an event that was, and still is, America's history. I am figuring out a way to bring something back to the community such as a documentary video of what our experience is like. That is the least I can do in return for the love and support we are receiving. I am grateful for Wakefield community schools, business, families and individuals that have contributed to our trip," Ms Ovando said.
"I am truly thankful and excited for this opportunity that was given to me. It is such an honor to be able to play and represent Wakefield High School and honor our veterans by attending the All American D-Days! Big thank you to my amazing band teachers, Mrs. Esly Ovando and Mr. Bill Trenhaile. Without them, this opportunity would have not occurred in my life," Sara Prado said.
Fundraising began immediately. The cost of the trip: $3,500 per person, which does not include the flight to and from Washington D.C., passports and extra trip insurance, brining the total cost of the trip to approximately $4,050.
Since learning they were accepted to take part in the event, the group has raised approximately half the money needed.
Fundraising to date has included: letters to all Wakefield businesses, bake sale, nachos and fresh fruit cups at the Wakefield Market days (with help from the Michoacana Restaurant), tattoos and popsicles for kids at the WakeFest celebration in August, baked items at the home volleyball games (with help from the Wakefield Women’s Legion Auxiliary), serving and bussing tables at Sidelines Bar and Grille, applications for grants, taking orders for homemade potato sausage and Swedish Rye bread - delivery in December (made by Verdel Lutt).
The girls, along with the Wakefield Optimist Club, are hosting a Festival of Trees on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Wakefield Civic Center. Music, hot cider and a hot cocoa bar will be provided and a free will donation will be accepted. Funds raised will go towards the D-day trip 2022.
Monetary donations can be made to: Wakefield Community Schools. Please note on the check/ letter that it is intended for the D-day trip 2022. They can be sent to: Wakefield Community Schools, c/o Esly Ovando, P.O. Box 330, Wakefield, Neb. 68784.
