HOUSTON – Houston ISD has reversed its decision to not allow the Waltrip High School band to perform at the 2025 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans after Houston Mayor John Whitmire offered a police escort for the band.
The band was one of five national teams selected to perform at the 2025 Sugar Bowl and parents and students had been fundraising for the trip.
However, one parent KPRC 2 spoke with said the North Area superintendent, Orlando Riddick, had safety concerns saying New Orleans over New Years is unsafe. The Sugar Bowl is being played on New Year’s Day.
“Risk mitigation was the reason we were given. We were told that no HISD school would ever be allowed to be in New Orleans for NYE/NYD due to safety concerns. They are just trying to protect the students. Not one parent has been concerned of safety for this trip, our only concern has been to raise the money to get as many kids there as possible,” the parent said.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire heard about the situation. In a post on X, the City of Houston said the mayor offered a Houston Police escort for the band.
After reading this story last night, @houmayor John Whitmire offered an @houstonpolice escort for the @HoustonISD Waltrip HS’s
— City of Houston (@HoustonTX) September 21, 2024
Roaring Ram Band’s trip to the Sugar Bowl.
He was glad to hear from Superintendent Miles this morning. Miles has reversed a premature decision by his…
“He was glad to hear from Superintendent Miles this morning. Miles has reversed a premature decision by his staff. The City will support in any way that is needed to ensure these hard-working Waltrip students have a well-deserved trip to New Orleans,” the city said in a post on X.
Houston ISD said Superintendent Mike Miles has also assigned HISD police officers to travel with the band.
“I understand the Division Leadership had safety concerns about this trip, and while student safety and security is always our top priority, I am confident we can safeguard our students and provide them with this incredible opportunity,” Miles said in an email sent to Waltrip band parents. “As a proud band dad myself, I want to make sure the Roaring Ram Band can travel to the Sugar Bowl safely. To this end, I am assigning HISD PD officers to travel with the band.”