Fred Feiertag, Department of Making Things, has traveled to Haiti many times and
has documented his visits. He shared his photographs with the student body on February 1 and 8.
Here is one of his photos featuring his daughter Lisa '02 with a group of Haitian children.
by Alana Bell '03, Multicultural Affairs and Admission Assistant
February 9 - Before our student-driven money drive for Haiti began, we put a notice in the weekly newsletter promoting the fundraising. I received several emails from parents asking how they could help, but an email from Muguette Guenneguez resonated quite strongly. It read:
I just read the SAAS weekly bulletin. My son, Raven, is a 7th grade student at the school. I am Haitian-American; let me know what we can do to help in the relief efforts.
After reading this email I grew quite uncomfortable. How was it that Muguette was offering her help; shouldn’t it be the other way around? I couldn’t find the right words to say; it took me a few days to come up with a response. A suggestion by Lauri Conner put me at ease. Instead of asking Muguette for donations or to bake chocolate chip cookies, she could help us by putting a face to the Haitian people. We all had been blinded by the devastation forgetting that Haitians and Haitian-Americans are living, breathing people just like us. Luckily for us, Muguette agreed to speak at an Upper School meeting.
When Muguette took the podium the bleachers were hushed. Muguette, a member of our community, had been greatly affected by this tragedy. Muguette was happy to report that her family had been accounted for, and deeply saddened to say many of her dearest friends had not. Muguette spoke frankly of the painful past of Haiti and now, the great challenges it will face for years to come. Muguette showed great appreciation for the world’s help and for all of the support from the SAAS community. But I believe we should be thanking her. Muguette represents the strength and true spirit of the Haitian people. You can see it in her eyes, pride for her country and hope for its future.
