To the editor:

As audience members and parents of students attending Southwest Junior High’s band concert last Thursday, we are reminded that we are blessed with a great school district and community. Six minutes before the concert was to start, the tornado watch for Douglas County was changed to a tornado warning. Knowing we would be safer at Lawrence High School than in our vehicles, the concert began with school administrators and volunteers closely monitoring the situation.

We would like to thank Matt Fearing, Southwest assistant principal; Dick Patterson, LHS principal; Willie Amison, LHS assistant principal, Kirk Wiesner, Southwest Site Council chairman; and Jeff Sigler for their actions ensuring the safety of all those who attended the concert at Lawrence High School and efforts to keep everyone calm.

Most of all, we would like to thank and praise Deb Woodall and her band students. Throughout the evening, Ms. Woodall and her students exhibited grace and professionalism under enormous pressure and anxiety. The performances were magnificent and were carried out without a hitch in spite of the weather.

When it was announced for all to move to interior hallways and up against the auditorium walls, the students never panicked and were mature and responsible beyond their years. To Ms. Woodall and her students, again, thank you for a wonderful performance, for your hard work, and for making us proud during a scary and intense situation.

Nancy Chance,

Ken and Lynn Ollila,

John and Terri Teefey,

Terri Wiesner,

Lawrence