In spring 2021, Logan Vander Wiel, Marion High School Band Director, wrote a funded grant to the Marion Independent School Foundation to support the purchase of new band department folders. Using funds from both the Marion School Foundation and the Marion Music Boosters the band was able to purchase 100 brand new folders for the program.
According to the final grant report, the new band folders are very nice, durable, and professional. Students have said “It’s so nice to feel like we have folders that aren’t falling apart. They’re big enough that I can hold all my music without worrying that it’s going to explode!” Another student remarked “I love that they’re black. It’s so much more professional-looking than the old red ones.”
The Marion Foundation’s grant program provides teachers an opportunity to receive funding for projects that benefit students in the Marion Independent School District. Grants are made possible because of generous contributions the Foundation receives throughout the year from both businesses and individuals as well as a number of educational funds that are invested with the Foundation for long-term benefit.