1.  Students and staff of Desire Street Academy have persevered in the face of adversity when the school and their homes, located in the 9th Ward in News Orleans, were ruined by Hurricane Katrina.
For each person/group, explain how they displayed each characteristic listed next to their name (some words list the paragraph where the answer can be found):

a) Mo Leverett - caring (3), resourceful (4), encouraging (22)

b) the staff - reliable (5), committed (7), selfless (11)

c) the students - persevering, courageous

d) local church members & volunteers - generous, thoughtful

e) Heather Holdsworth - realistic, determined

f) Al Jones - self-sacrificing, optimistic, compassionate (12)

g) Deangelo Peterson -brave

h) Danny Wuerffel - industrious

i) Daniel Ballard - resourceful

2.  This story does not deny the great challenges or heartache faced by the students and staff of Desire Street Academy, but chooses to focus instead on their resiliant spirit and their ability to reject self-pity.  How does their attitude contrast with that of our entertainment culture today?

3.  What inspires you the most about "Homecoming on Hold"?  Explain your answer.

For information on how you can help, or to write a note of encouragement, click here.