Last year, the Majestic Marching Cardinals of Jonesboro High School were surprised with great news. The band was selected for the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
Students packed the school’s gym under the impression they were there for a program honoring their principal.
Students couldn’t contain their excitement as the creative director of the parade, Westley Whatley, stepped up and delivered the unexpected announcement.
But a problem faced the band.
“Jonesboro High is a Title I school,” said Lynel Goodwin, the band’s director. “So, many people in our community just can’t afford it.”
According to officials from Clayton County Public Schools, the trip totaled $250,000. And as time passed, money for the band’s travel to New York came up short.
About two weeks before the trip, Goodwin says the group still needed funds. This is where Ebony Alston, owner of Nouveau restaurant, stepped in to help.
The restaurateur gave the band the $20,000 they needed to make the trip a reality. Three years ago, after opening her second Nouveau location in Jonesboro, she fostered a relationship with the students and staff.
“I always try to put myself in they shoes. I would want someone to give me that opportunity,” Alston said.
“Surprisingly, a lot of times, our children have never left their communities, so to be able to be a part of seeing them get on planes and busses to go to another state … we’re super excited that we’re able to be a part of that.”
Alston’s help has left a major impact on students like Joy Sims, a trumpet player in the band who says the experience is more than just going to a new state.
“We’re capable of doing so many things, and a lot of times we’re put down, and [we’re] expected less of us when we can achieve great things,” Sims said. “All we have to do is come together and have people who support us, believe in us as kids.”
The Majestic Marching Cardinals will hit the streets of New York on Thanksgiving Day. They will also deliver a performance at the Statue of Liberty while visiting.
