MARRERO, La. — Marvin Haywood, John Ehret's Band Director has died, according to a statement by Jefferson Parish Public Schools.
Haywood and the "Pride of Marrero" Marching Band were featured in WWL Louisiana's Carnival coverage back in February. He instructed his students to have "respect, integrity, determination and [to be] extraordinary." The Ehret community, family and friends are now mourning the loss of their beloved band director.
The community took to social media to share their condolences. One band member's mother said, "My son and the entire band is hurting. You left a major impact not only on my son but other kids/people as well. These kids are going to miss you a lot"!
Another comment posted on Facebook talked about how well Haywood worked well with the dance team and teachers, "you were such a hard worker and so talented, I'm going to miss the many laughs we had."
Prayers poured out to his family, friends and the school. Jefferson Parish Schools expressed their sadness.
"We were saddened to learn of the passing of one of our teachers, Mr. Marvin Haywood, and our deepest sympathy and condolences are with Mr. Haywood’s family and the entire John Ehret High School and Jefferson Parish Schools community during this difficult time. Members of the district’s crisis team are providing assistance and counseling support to students and staff."
In just three years, Haywood has grown the school's marching band and it started with making everyone feel at home.
"We have to make sure that we know how to welcome people properly and make them actually feel at home and to have a chance to grow and develop to become a leader or do you still love me by the time that they leave," he told WWL Louisiana reporter Leigha McNeil on February 2.
The sense of belonging is the glue that holds the band together. It's something Haywood instilled in his growing team of musicians at John Ehret.
In February, Haywood was working on getting more uniforms for all of the students and hosting fundraisers for the next school year.
His P.R.I.D.E. principles were love, support, and encouraging his students to look out for one another.
Ehret's marching band began with just 13 kids and has grown to nearly 80 members under his guidance.
Keith Thomas shared the following message to those grieving band members:
“Remember what Mr. Haywood taught you. Do as much to continue the legacy that he has created for you and just work hard to be the best student/musician that you could possibly be to make him proud just keep working hard.”
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