On Tues., Feb. 22, 2011, our band was traveling to Dothan to participate in a concert band competition.

While traveling along U.S. 84 between Riverview and Andalusia, our bus suddenly quit running, and we were forced to pull over on the side of the road.

It was our good fortune that Mr. Donnie Franklin, Covington County’s Transportation Supervisor, was traveling the same way at that very moment. As soon as Mr. Franklin saw our bus, he immediately stopped to offer us assistance.

Mr. Franklin met every need that we had and went above and beyond what could be expected of anyone that had stopped to assist total strangers.

Because of Mr. Franklin’s efforts, we were able to contact Monroe County’s Transportation Supervisor and get another bus headed our way and inform them of exactly what the problem was on the bus on which we were traveling. His assistance allowed us to be able to continue on our trip and arrive exactly in the nick of time for our band to perform at the competition.

Mr. Franklin’s actions portrayed selflessness and compassion in a manner that is not often seen these days, and they reflect great credit upon himself and the Covington County School System.

It is the Excel “Band of Gold” Band Booster’s wish to convey our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Mr. Donnie Franklin for all that he did for us on that day.

Jamie Howell, Director

Daryl Day, President

David Johnson, Vice President

Sandra Seales, Secretary/Treasurer