Little bit of Bourbon at Davis

KAYSVILLE — Davis High School students turned their lunchtime corridors into New Orleans' Bourbon Street Wednesday — complete with food, "street" performers, dancing and money jars.

The event was part of the school's homecoming week, themed "Giving Them a Home for Homecoming." It was one of a number of activities student leaders crafted in order to raise money that will go to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Talented students lined the halls, singing, dancing and making music for money that will go to the Red Cross.

Nate Inkley has been singing for years but this week was the first time he sang for greenbacks. Inkley and three other friends lined the hall and sang in barbershop fashion with a bit of dancing and theatrics. In Bourbon-Street style, they placed a money cup in front of them welcoming donations.

Not far down the hall, others were gathered around a student who was singing and pounding out a tune on the piano while another played the violin.

The most action was in the commons area where a live jazz band played and some students took to the dance floor, swinging their partners to classic jazz.

Assistant Principal Clyde Jackson said he had been getting requests over the past few weeks from students eager for an opportunity to help raise money within the school for the disaster.

"We wanted to find a project for homecoming that would give (students) the opportunity to help those who lost their homes," said Whitney Dustin, a senior officer who helped plan the event.

Inkley said for him and those in his barbershop group it was a win-win situation.

"We just love singing and we are combining something we love with doing something for good," Inkley said.

Davis joins a number of other schools along the Wasatch Front making efforts to raise money for victims of Katrina:

• Students at Oakdale Elementary, Sandy, raised $900 and collected toys for Katrina victims. Students collected so many toys and clothes they were able to donate extra items to needy families in the community.

• The Welby Elementary, South Jordan, Spirit Club is collecting money to send to the Red Cross. Students are encouraged to do a job or two around the house to earn the money to donate.

• The Riverton High Car Cruiser Club hosted a car show, raising $600 for hurricane victims.