The Chillicothe R-II School District’s Business and Music Departments received a huge gift from the Chillicothe Education Foundation, on behalf of the late Loraine M. Roark of Chillicothe less than a year ago. This week, the Chillicothe Education Foundation announced another donation to those departments thanks again to Roark’s generosity - this time to the tune of $119,304.98.
Superintendent Dr. Dan Wiebers said $89,000 of the funds are earmarked for the District’s Music Department and will pay for items including new band uniforms for the CHS Marching Hornets, needed instruments and accessories for the band, and funds for the District’s Show Choir.
The uniforms, which will cost an estimated $60,000, will be purchased with $20,000 of District funds that have budgeted for that purpose. The show choir will receive $30,000, and the District will purchase a new alto clarinet, a new bass trombone, two new euphoniums, a banner and band and choir accessories when all is said and done.
The remaining $19,000 of the gift will go toward the Business Department and will purchase a wide variety of items for those classrooms, including a credit card reader, a sublimation printer, dry erase whiteboards, window treatments, computer programs, classroom headphones, a photo light box, vinyl laminate counters, and circuit Mug and Hat presses.
The Drama Department will also use $10,000 of the donation to purchase an orchestra pit net, Wiebers said.
“I am continually amazed by the generosity of this community’s citizens and foundations,” Superintendent Dr. Dan Wiebers said. He added that the funds will greatly help improve and update these departments to meet the needs of Chillicothe R-II students, and better prepare them for life after graduation.
According to Education Foundation member Susan Fair, the late Loraine Roark enjoyed music and shared her love of it by playing the piano and organ and singing duets with her sister, Geraldine. She also sang in the Community Choir and the choir at the First Christian Church in Chillicothe.
Loraine also had an aptitude for business, too and one of her first jobs out of high school was as secretary for the County Superintendent of Schools. She went on to have a very successful career for the Division of Family Services.
“Chillicothe is truly an amazing community and because of the generosity of its members, our students are continually blessed through their support,” Dr. Wiebers said. He added, “These donated funds will be put to good use and will help Chillicothe and its students shine.”