$10,000 donation helps Louisville high school recover from arson

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A major donation is helping Marion C. Moore High School rebuild its health sciences program after a fire earlier this month destroyed classrooms and training equipment.

The Aug. 1 fire tore through the health sciences wing, destroying labs, four classrooms, the school counselor's office and damaging several other rooms with heavy smoke. The program serves nearly 300 students, training them for careers in the medical field.

"I was truly devastated," said senior Julia Riley, who is working toward her certified nursing assistant license. "I just thought 'Am I going to be able to graduate with a CNA license?'"

Investigators ruled the fire an arson, arresting 18-year-old Kaleb Pierce and a juvenile on charges including second-degree arson, burglary, criminal mischief and unlawful transaction with a minor.

On Tuesday, the nonprofit Supplies Overseas delivered more than $10,000 worth of medical equipment and supplies to help replace what was lost. The donation included hospital beds, exam tables, gloves, oxygen masks, face shields and blood pressure cuffs.

"While we hate that tragedy happens to anyone, we're grateful that SOS can supply you with the things you need to move forward," said Brian Joyner of Supplies Overseas.

Riley said the donation will help the program get back on its feet faster than expected.

"Some of us were thinking it was going to be next year, but now, it's going to be going into December," she said. "It's like a Christmas present, almost."

School officials are still asking for support, saying they need additional supplies like mannequins for training.

"While we were concerned that our nursing and medical assistant students might lose the hands-on training that's so vital to their education, the resilience and resourcefulness of our staff and generosity of our partners have made it possible to keep these opportunities alive," principal Heather Hoerter said.

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