School gets donation of musical instruments
Pleasant Ridge Elementary received 100 musical instruments and a check for $2,000 from National Pawn
Gaston County Schools has received a generous gift to support music
education.
National Pawn donated more
than 100 musical instruments and
$2,000 for instrument upkeep during
a special assembly on January 10 at
Pleasant Ridge Elementary School
in Gastonia. The donation is part of
National Pawn’s ongoing commitment
to support school music programs.
During the assembly, National
Pawn owner Bob Moulton presented
a $2,000 check and an assortment
of instruments including guitars,
trumpets, trombones, flutes,
clarinets, saxophones, recorders, and
more to principal Glenn Cook.
his parents did not have the money to purchase a new instrument and sought
a used alternative.
“We’ve all got to do our part to make
sure children are able to seize music
education opportunities,” said Moulton.
“Being a member of my school’s band
gave me a sense of community, an
outlet for expression, and unparalleled
team-building skills that I wouldn’t have
learned anywhere else. Every donation,
big or small, goes toward making sure
every child has access to these same
life-shaping experiences.”
Moulton hopes his company’s
program will inspire others to also
donate their gently used instruments
to local schools so students can benefit
from having music as part of their
education.
“When the new Gifted and
Talented Academy was established
Pleasant Ridge Elementary School principal Glenn Cook talks to students
here at Pleasant Ridge, we wanted
Superintendent of Schools W. Jeffrey
about the musical instruments donated to the school by National Pawn.
an outstanding music program to
Booker stated, “Not only is National
enhance the curriculum for all of
Pawn putting instruments in the hands
our students,” said Cook. “With this
of elementary children, the company is having an influence on our middle
contribution, we will be able to expand the program with the ultimate goal of
school and high school band programs. Students here at Pleasant Ridge will
getting more students interested in band and music at an early age.”
not have to wait until middle school to develop an interest in band, and we
hope they will go on to be excellent musicians at the high school level.”
As a child, Moulton said he wanted to participate in the school band, but
Booker added, “The Board of Education joins me and everyone at
Pleasant Ridge Elementary in expressing our sincere appreciation to National
Pawn for investing in public education and believing in our children.”
In addition to Gaston, National Pawn has donated more 3,000
instruments and $54,000 to schools in Cumberland, Durham, Forsyth,
Guilford, Mecklenburg, New Hanover, and Wake counties. National Pawn
operates a store on East Franklin Boulevard in Gastonia.
6 • March/April 2018 • Parent Teacher Magazine