MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) - A Tea-based nonprofit working to build a school in Haiti plans to name it after a longtime director of the Mitchell Recreation Center and Mitchell High School girls’ golf coach.
Co-founder Bruce Blumer told The Daily Republic (https://bit.ly/2iyI5xu) that the soon-to-be school will be named after Rob Marchand because of his love for people. Marchand died in August 2014 after a battle with prostate cancer.
“Rob was my best friend,” Blumer said. “He was a great guy so it’s really been an honor for me … It was very heartwarming and it’s a great way for us to honor his legacy.”
The nonprofit LaGonave Alive was formed after a Haiti outreach program through Mitchell First United Methodist Church grew beyond the group’s abilities.
Blumer, former director of the foundation, said the school is expected to open in September. He said the school will start small, and will serve three or four grade levels.
“As we get more funds, we’ll continue to add and eventually we’ll hopefully add a second level for a lunch area and administration area,” Blumer said. “The ultimate goal is to become a place to have a school and have a safe place for kids to learn.”
He estimated the total cost of the project will be around $30,000.
The school will have room for 25 students each year, and will have the potential to reach 200 children a year.
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Information from: The Daily Republic, https://www.mitchellrepublic.com
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