Hello everyone,

I am saddened to report that Caytie passed away earlier this evening. I talked to Mr. Howell at about 9:45PM and he told me that Caytie went very peacefully. Words can not express how much the outpouring of affection has meant to the families during this trying time. Howell was so thankful for the 2^nd prayer vigil held this evening on the Ledford practice field. For those of you that don’t know, around 300 people between the Ledford and East Davidson communities met together at around 8:45 tonight to pray for Caytie. I would ask that everyone still continue to keep the Howell / Pullium families in your thoughts in the days and weeks to come.

I have been teaching at Ledford for 11 years, and I have never seen anything quite like what I saw tonight .... with so many local people united together in a common cause. The staff of the Panther Regiment sends our sincere thanks out to Mr. Deese and Mr. Allred at East Davidson and to their entire band program.

As soon as we know any details on arrangements I will post them here. We will continue to practice at Ledford as planned tomorrow (Tuesday, 8/17). Obviously some practices will be cancelled or rescheduled based upon what we hear of the arrangements.

To the alumni that came to assist with rehearsal tonight and to the parents helping behind the scenes, you have no idea how grateful Ms. Harrison and I are for your assistance.

Thank again everyone …. I am so proud to call Ledford my second home.

Lenny

Dear Friends and Family of the Ledford Band Program:

As many of you have heard, Mr. Howell’s stepdaughter Caytie is in the hospital due to a brain aneurysm. What we know at this time is the doctor’s are waiting for the swelling to subside in her brain before they can perform surgery. It the swelling does dissipate, they are hopeful surgery can be performed on Monday (8/16).

At this time I would ask that all of you please keep Caytie, Mr. and Mrs. Howell and the rest of their family in your thoughts and prayers. The Howell’s very much appreciate the support and outreach they have received thus far, but at this time they would ask that you please refrain from visiting the hospital. If you have something you would like to send to the family, please feel free to see myself or Ms. Harrison and we will make sure it gets to the family as soon as possible.

Tentative details on band practices for this week are listed below. Mr. Butts has been made aware of the situation and he offers nothing but his support to the Howell’s and the entire Ledford band family.

If you have any questions, you can reach me at the contact info below. Ms. Harrison and I will be available tomorrow (Monday) in the band room by 4:15PM and practice will begin at 5PM.

As we receive more information on this situation it will be posted here.

Lenny Keesee

Percussion Director
Ledford Panther Regiment
Ledford Indoor Percussion Ensemble
336.676.3975
lenny@lhsindoor.org