When Sarah passed away, my family asked for donations to a scholarship fund instead of the usual flowers and such. There has been quite a response and tonight is the first time the award will be given out. This speech is the speech my parents and Katie (one of Sarah's best friends) will make at band banquet for Pearce Band. Read on if you're interested...
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"I am going to be late...I've got sectionals tonight. Where's my water bottle? Anne and I have to leave now! Mr. Warshaw says we have to be on the grid at 4:00 PM sharp or else. I need $10 for a band shirt. PLEASE let me stay for the band party."
Such were the comments that kept our family on our toes for seven years as our three children participated in the Pearce Band program. When Sarah became a member little did I realize the parents also became part of this unique community. Little did we realize how deep and perpetual those teenage friendships would be...how close the parents would remain until this past December as friends, band directors and principals gathered from all over the country to celebrate Sarah's life. How grateful our family is for the outpouring of support and expressions of love that leads George and myself to be with you tonight.
Sarah Elizabeth Betz was born November 17, 1979 in Dallas. She was a precocius and quiet child, always eager to learn and to do her best at everything. Sarah learned to play the piano early and in the fourth grade began the clarinet...keeping that coveted first chair and its responsbilities for the next eight years... winning numerous awards at city, district and regional competitions. One of her greatest joys was representing Pearce at the All State Band her junior and senior years.
In 1998, Sarah graduated as a National Merit Scholar, fourth in her class and as a member of several organizations. But it was the band that brought some of her fondest and happiest moments, to meet her three close friends and her best friend, Katie, who is here with us tonight.
Sarah's claim to fame with the band, in her mind, was being concertmistress when the Mighty Mustangs played their first concert at Carnegie Hall in 1997. She captured and touched the hearts of many forever as her nimble fingers touched the clarinet keys in "Molly on the Shores" and with the mournful wail heard in "Blue Shades."
In the following years, she graduated from Rice University with an undergraduate in (2002) and master degree (2003) in electrical engineering and worked for Wylie Associates in Houston as an electrical engineer. December 17, 2004 while sleeping her life of 25 years was brought to an abrupt halt from a genetic heart condition. From that moment, our lives have been profoundly changed and saddened.
Sarah will always be remembered for her quiet, gentle nature, her wry sense of humor, as a leader with integrity, and her drive for excellence in music and the academics. It is these qualities which will live through the Sarah Betz Scholar Award. - a one year non-renewable merit scholarship to a sophomore or junior student from the Symphonic I Band based on musicianship potential, academic excellence and citizenship. The student will be selected by the band director in consultation with the principal. The award consists of one academic year of private music lesson,s recognition during the concert season and their name engraved on a perpetual plaque hung in the Band Hall.
George and I are honored this evening to present the first Sarah Betz Scholar Award to a sophomore who plays the horn. Join with us as we celebrate his future accomplishments and congratualate ____________________________________.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Progression Alarm Clock
Recently, I have been told that I need to get a new alarm clock - one that does not startle me upon awakening. Seems silly, but if you want to know more about why, email me. Brad and I searched rather extensively to find the perfect alarm clock. This description is the clock we got and it's awesome!
http://www.hammacher.com/publish/70460.asp?promo=homepage
More gentle than the jarring noise of traditional alarms, this clock uses a gradual increase in ambient light, stimulating aromas, and peaceful sounds from nature to awaken sleepers. Easy to use, simply set the desired wake up time, place some aromatherapy beads (included) into the aroma bowl, and choose a natural sound setting. Thirty minutes before wake-up, the clock’s light begins to glow softly, subtly brightening over the next half hour. As the light increases, the warmth from the lamp releases faint aromatherapy scents into the air to stimulate the olfactory senses, speeding the waking process. Fifteen minutes before wake up time, the clock’s speaker generates the sleeper’s choice of soft, yet lively nature sounds, and at the set wake up time a buzzer sounds to finish the cycle. The alarm can also be used to awaken using only sound, or just the buzzer. Sound selection includes Nightfall, Thunder Storm, Zen Melody, Mountain Stream, Songbirds, and Ocean Surf. Four packets of aroma beads (Energy, Morning Café, Stress Relief, Lavendar) are provided, as are 10 removable felt disks that can be placed in the aroma bowl which allow you to use your own aromatherapy oils. The clock can also be set to operate in reverse, gradually diminishing light, scent, and sound at night to usher sleepers into a relaxed slumber. The nature sounds can be heard at any time by simply pressing any of the sound buttons, and the light has a night light setting as well. The clock has standard time readout, snooze, headphone jack, and volume control.
http://www.hammacher.com/publish/70460.asp?promo=homepage
More gentle than the jarring noise of traditional alarms, this clock uses a gradual increase in ambient light, stimulating aromas, and peaceful sounds from nature to awaken sleepers. Easy to use, simply set the desired wake up time, place some aromatherapy beads (included) into the aroma bowl, and choose a natural sound setting. Thirty minutes before wake-up, the clock’s light begins to glow softly, subtly brightening over the next half hour. As the light increases, the warmth from the lamp releases faint aromatherapy scents into the air to stimulate the olfactory senses, speeding the waking process. Fifteen minutes before wake up time, the clock’s speaker generates the sleeper’s choice of soft, yet lively nature sounds, and at the set wake up time a buzzer sounds to finish the cycle. The alarm can also be used to awaken using only sound, or just the buzzer. Sound selection includes Nightfall, Thunder Storm, Zen Melody, Mountain Stream, Songbirds, and Ocean Surf. Four packets of aroma beads (Energy, Morning Café, Stress Relief, Lavendar) are provided, as are 10 removable felt disks that can be placed in the aroma bowl which allow you to use your own aromatherapy oils. The clock can also be set to operate in reverse, gradually diminishing light, scent, and sound at night to usher sleepers into a relaxed slumber. The nature sounds can be heard at any time by simply pressing any of the sound buttons, and the light has a night light setting as well. The clock has standard time readout, snooze, headphone jack, and volume control.
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