Melida's letter helped raise awareness and support for Marist High School on the verge of closure. The letter and the plight of the students gained wide media attention from multiple online sources.
The collective efforts of Melida, the Marist families, school staff and the community resulted in raising $750,000 in three weeks. The school was saved! The students graduate from their esteemed school two years later.
READ LETTER BELOW :
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https://newjersey.news12.com/marist-high-school-holds-12-hour-dance-a-thon-to-avoid-closing-35188177
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LETTER Article on NJ.COM
Melida Rodas, ( Moderator of Poetry and Journalism Club), mother of a sophomore student at the school.... penned a letter to George R.R. Martin, whose books inspired the hit HBO drama "Game of Thrones," telling Martin "the survival of Marist means so...
The letter is peppered with references to the "A Song of Ice and Fire" fantasy series that is the basis for the HBO show.
"'The White Walkers' and 'WINTER' (are) a metaphor for what is coming for" Marist students, Rodas' letter says. "Their school is on the verge of extinction."
"I have enjoyed your work astounded by your insight into the human condition. The essence of your work is the protection of family and all the things we hold dear: a sense of home, brotherhood/sisterhood and our future survival.
"The politics of what this involves is not lost on me. We do what we must do in order to maintain ground and hope in the midst of uncertainty or impending doom.
"As a mother I certainly relate to the primal instincts of all your characters, to fiercely protect loved ones. Jon Snow is who I identify with the most.
"As a brother of "The Night's Watch", he is relentless in his fight against those who threaten to extinct his family and friends. His path is always noble and upright. He guards a precious structure, "The Wall," in your writings.
"I see my child's school as a similarly precious structure. "The White Walkers" and "WINTER" as a metaphor for what is coming for them. Their school is on the verge of extinction.
"I am also sorry that I don't know what your experience was like when you attended Marist High School. I plead to you because the survival of Marist means so much to my daughter and her friends.
"I also know that today at Marist, Mr. Cassaro, Mr. Murphy, Mr.Tabora, Ms. John, Ms. Miesnik and countless others show true love and devotion for their craft and our children.
"For this reason it is unfortunate that "The Marist Brothers" have warned that the school will close if we do not raise 1.5 million dollars by April 24, 2017.
"WINTER IS COMING"
"I wish to align myself with you in order to create awareness about the calamity we are facing.
"I want my child to have what you have: a decent education, an extraordinary way of looking at things and the ability to dream what others see as possible.
"Of all your characters, Samwell carries a special place in my heart because of his quiet strength, his sweetness and his devotion. He reminds me of my daughter.
"I hope that this letter finds you -- for this cause is not a cause about Politics, Religion, or "Marist," the entity owned by The Marist Brothers."This is about MARIST-our children, the teachers they love, and the things they hold dear: a sense of home, brotherhood/sisterhood and their future survival.
"Please help us get the word out because, as you have often articulated in your works," there is strength in numbers."
"We hope for survival.
"We hope for your assistance.
"Melida Rodas,