(please listen to podcast interview with Bailey by clicking on link above this post)
By JOHN QUINN
jquinn@fosters.com
By JOHN QUINN
jquinn@fosters.com
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
MILTON — It's been quite a week for Bailey Champy.
The second-grader was brought to tears late last week after school officials told her Thursday she couldn't sing her favorite song, "Trading My Sorrows" by Darrell Evans, in class because it contained the word "Lord" in it.
Superintendent Bill Lander reversed that decision Friday afternoon, which brought relief and joy to the entire family.
On Sunday she not only sang the song at church, but later that night she received a call from Evans himself, Bailey's father, David told Foster's Daily Democrat in an e-mail.
" 'Hello Mr. Champy, this is Darrell Evans and I would like to speak to Bailey.'" Champy said, adding he quickly brought the phone to Bailey's room and told her she had an important phone call.
Champy said his wife, Laurie, picked up the other line and listened in as Evans, who has a southern accent, spoke to Bailey for about five minutes.
"'Hi Bailey, This is Darrell Evans. You are an inspiration to us all, keep up the great work, keep singing and touch those around you!'" Champy wrote in the e-mail, quoting what the singer said to his daughter.
Champy said "Bailey was awe-struck and sat there silently listening to every word. Evans proceeded to ask her about singing and had a great conversation with her that made her night. When she got off the phone with him she yelled out 'That was awesome!' She said she was going to tell all the kids in school she got a phone call from Darrell Evans."
Bailey was afforded the privilege to sing any song of her choosing in front of her class as part of the school's "star cards" program, which rewards students for good behavior and following the rules. The only stipulation was that the song's lyrics had to be first approved by the faculty.
Champy, who sings and plays guitar himself, said Bailey chose the song because it makes her feel good when she sings it.
The family is glad they decided to stand up for Bailey's First Amendment rights, which protect freedom of speech and religious practices.
"The story has had such an impact on our community that the phone has been ringing off the hook and the e-mails have been flying in. The interesting thing about it is there has not been negative feedback. I believe everyone is sick and tired of the system and feel they need to fight back," Champy said in the e-mail.
Champy said Bailey, 8, is set to sing Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the cafeteria at Milton Elementary.
Principal Stephanie Hillis could not be reached about the matter, either Friday or Monday, despite attempts to reach her by phone.
Messages were left, but the phone calls were not returned.
Foster's also attempted to contact Lander by phone on Friday and left a message, but that phone call was not returned either.
MILTON — It's been quite a week for Bailey Champy.
The second-grader was brought to tears late last week after school officials told her Thursday she couldn't sing her favorite song, "Trading My Sorrows" by Darrell Evans, in class because it contained the word "Lord" in it.
Superintendent Bill Lander reversed that decision Friday afternoon, which brought relief and joy to the entire family.
On Sunday she not only sang the song at church, but later that night she received a call from Evans himself, Bailey's father, David told Foster's Daily Democrat in an e-mail.
" 'Hello Mr. Champy, this is Darrell Evans and I would like to speak to Bailey.'" Champy said, adding he quickly brought the phone to Bailey's room and told her she had an important phone call.
Champy said his wife, Laurie, picked up the other line and listened in as Evans, who has a southern accent, spoke to Bailey for about five minutes.
"'Hi Bailey, This is Darrell Evans. You are an inspiration to us all, keep up the great work, keep singing and touch those around you!'" Champy wrote in the e-mail, quoting what the singer said to his daughter.
Champy said "Bailey was awe-struck and sat there silently listening to every word. Evans proceeded to ask her about singing and had a great conversation with her that made her night. When she got off the phone with him she yelled out 'That was awesome!' She said she was going to tell all the kids in school she got a phone call from Darrell Evans."
Bailey was afforded the privilege to sing any song of her choosing in front of her class as part of the school's "star cards" program, which rewards students for good behavior and following the rules. The only stipulation was that the song's lyrics had to be first approved by the faculty.
Champy, who sings and plays guitar himself, said Bailey chose the song because it makes her feel good when she sings it.
The family is glad they decided to stand up for Bailey's First Amendment rights, which protect freedom of speech and religious practices.
"The story has had such an impact on our community that the phone has been ringing off the hook and the e-mails have been flying in. The interesting thing about it is there has not been negative feedback. I believe everyone is sick and tired of the system and feel they need to fight back," Champy said in the e-mail.
Champy said Bailey, 8, is set to sing Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the cafeteria at Milton Elementary.
Principal Stephanie Hillis could not be reached about the matter, either Friday or Monday, despite attempts to reach her by phone.
Messages were left, but the phone calls were not returned.
Foster's also attempted to contact Lander by phone on Friday and left a message, but that phone call was not returned either.
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