Holland said, “It was amazing how many schools and communities came together to support Forney in our time of need following the tornado. When I received the letter and check from Ralls ISD, it was a very emotional moment to say the least. Many of the feelings from that day of the tornado came rushing back in and again I felt how blessed we were not to have had any injuries or deaths. For Ralls ISD and all the others that gave of time or money to our district or our community, it was very touching.” Holland gave the check to the Forney Disaster Relief Fund, which was also recently presented a check from the Forney Brookshire's.
Ralls ISD Superintendent Deanna Logan sent the check and letter to Holland. She told inForney.com that on the morning after the tornado she saw the news that a school in our area was hit by the tornado. Logan said, “When I heard that Forney had a school damaged by the tornado, I immediately thought about trying to find a way to help out.” She knew that Forney had a high school with the same mascot as Ralls High School and said, “Who better to help out than another Jackrabbit.”
Logan sent an email to her staff telling them about the tornado and asking if anyone had a suggestion on how they may help out Forney. She also reminded the staff to make sure their own students were well prepared in case their school district ever experienced a tornado. Logan wanted the students to participate in a fundraiser, saying, “Anytime we can involve our kids in a service project, it is a positive.” Though many people responded with suggestions, Ralls ISD Purchasing Secretary Leesa Diaz came up with an idea to sell silicon wristbands. Diaz was known by Logan to be a “real go getter” and she did not disappoint with her fundraising efforts.
Leesa Diaz ordered the wristbands, sent out emails, put an article in the paper, sold the bands at their pride rallies, and led the charge all the way through. Written on the wristbands was “JACKRABBITS BANDING TOGETHER”. Logan said she is very proud of Diaz and her efforts and she is proud of the response from the Ralls Jackrabbits and the Ralls community. Superintendent Holland said it best for Forney, “With the flood at the high school and then a week later the tornado, many might say we are cursed, but I would say we are blessed.”
