State Senator Florence Shapiro Addresses Memorial Prep
Article Date: February 5, 2008
Sen. Florence Shapiro (District 8) addressed students and teachers of Memorial Preparatory School Monday afternoon. Shapiro, along with Jim Hogue – president of the Dallas Holocaust Museum – thanked the Garland ISD middle school for its tireless efforts and support of the museum and its center for education and tolerance.
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Inspired by the movie Paperclips, and a class field trip to the museum, dedicated teachers Mary Theobald and Katie Venable decided to collect 1.5-million pennies to represent each child murdered during the Holocaust. Working with their past three eighth grade classes, Theobald and Venable have amassed half of their total goal.
“The students wanted a meaningful project that would benefit the Dallas Holocaust Museum as well as a positive learning experience,” Venable said. “When they are finished, they will have donated $15,000 to help build a new museum."
The Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance plans to build a 35,000-square foot museum next door to the Sixth Floor Museum. It is currently in a temporary space on Record Street in the West End.
During the ceremony, Memorial students recognized Wachovia Bank and Regional President Julia Wellborn for their support of the school’s project, entitled Every Child Has a Name.
“We had a secure facility that was storing the pennies but when the task became too daunting Wachovia Bank stepped in and agreed to help by depositing our pennies,” Theobald said. “The students urgently need assistance now to reach their goal. They are half way there with 750,000 pennies collected.”
Jars to help collect pennies can be placed in businesses and direct donations can be made to this cause by contacting Venable or Theobald at (972) 926-2650 or mstheoba@garlandisd.net.
Individuals interested in supporting the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance should contact Stephanie Bohan Gandy at (214) 741-7500 Ext. 103.