Steve Cordle
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Typically when we talk about "masking a problem," it means we are covering it up. Emotions are something we tend to mask. I might be irate about something, but you don't know it because I have on my happy mask. Generally, masking is considered unhealthy. That has changed. Masking is now regarded as healthy, especially when fighting COVID-19. In fact, masks are deemed by many to be essential. Masks are credited with stopping (or at least slowing down) the spread of the novel coronavirus. Locally, Somerset and Aucilla Christian Academy provide masks for students and visitors of their respective campuses. What happens, though, when a student goes home, particularly for extended periods of time? What if there are not enough masks in the home? That is where the Shriners Ahmed Temple #37 came in to lend some assistance.
On Thursday, Dec. 17, the Ahmed Temple #37 delivered 500 masks to the campus at Jefferson-Somerset. That delivery was the first of two mask deliveries, with the second one coming in January when the students return from their Christmas break. The masks were distributed the next day, before the early release that usually happens on the Friday before Christmas break.
Along with the masks, each student received a holiday Jazz CD produced by School Band Director KD Morley, who also organized the reception and distribution of the masks. "On the CD, we have recordings from different administrators and different teachers saying something like, hey this is (name of a teacher) have a happy holiday, please remember to wear your mask." Giving the masks is a reminder to the students to be safe over the holidays.
Upon receiving the masks, Morley made a few remarks to a gathering of Somerset staff and the Ahmed Temple members, emphasizing the importance of service and our children's safety and security. While acknowledging the possibility that several students wouldn't wear the masks, Morley talked about how "we gave (the students) the tools necessary to help (them) be safe." Vice Principal Andre Gainey thanks the Shriners, noting that their act of generosity made the students feel special, knowing that the Ahmed Temple took the time to bring the masks to them. Assistant Principal Courtney Oliver thanked the Shriners for their efforts noting that security and safety are priorities and offering the masks is very important to the students.
Theodus Baker, Illustrious Potentate of Ahmed Temple #37, spoke briefly about the pleasure of helping the students and their families in times like these, "we wanted to do our part in terms of serving the community," he said. Rosa Tucker, Deputy of Oasis Ahmed Court #134, also spoke of the service provided to the community.
For many students, school is the only place that they get some encouragement and safety. The CD that Morley produced has Jazz music and “a lot of greetings and holiday salutations from the [Somerset] administration and staff and teachers to give love to our students.” According to Morley, the main thrust is for the students to know the staff cares for them, even while on break and away from school.
The CD tracks were laid down in a studio at the school and features Morley on a "trumpet track," as well as FAMU graduate and saxophonist Jessie Boice on another track. Morley recognized the help of Cory and Cortney Oliver, Lloyd Helms, Andre Gainey and Q'Vaunda Curry in producing the CD.
As our community and nation moves into the height of the holiday season, safety is of the essence. All debates aside, it hurts no one to put on a mask for the few minutes we go into a store and the encouragement to wear masks is undoubtedly needed at this time. If families are going to be traveling, wear masks. It only takes a few seconds to put it on and gives peace of mind to those around you, especially if you’re on a trip or just returned from one.
You must be logged in to post a comment.