BOOSTING ACADEMICS, SPORTS IS GOAL FOR PARENTS' ORGANIZATION AT CHS

When the Central High School Booster Club was proposed seven years ago, the only way the board of education would allow it to be formed is if it was going to support all activities at the school, not just sports.

That was fine with the organizers, and over the years the club has worked hard to support all students at the high school - from football players to Scholar Bowl competitors.

"Our support has been well balanced, and over the last couple of years we have spent more on academic events than for sporting events," said Jim Stovall, president of the club's board of directors.

But even though the club's record of supporting academics as well as sports has been clearly demonstrated, Stovall admits it has been hard shaking the label of being strictly a sports booster club.

The club has about 185 members, but Stovall guesses less than 10 percent are non-sports parents.

"That is what we are trying to improve," he said. "We have tried to pick up more members through academics and trying to get the word out that this is not a so-called sports booster club.

"We set up a table at Back-to-School Night at the high school, giving out information and trying to show them we don't just represent athletics."

Becky Kies, who is one of the new board members this year, is working with Sherry Eggimann and others to increase the membership of parents whose children are involved with non-sports activities.

"I feel like there are so many opportunities for us to provide help to the other students at Central, but a lot of people have the misconception that this is a sports booster club," said Kies. "We are trying hard to convince people.

"In the past people have been hesitant to belong because they thought it was all sports. We want them to become aware that this is for all students. A lot of people are totally unaware of it and we are trying to publicize that fact."

Stovall points out that an effort is made to spend money throughout the student body. The club has sent students to things like Scholar Bowls, statewide academic competitions, pompon contests, choir contests, it has provided buses for students to attend out-of-town games, and has provided two scholarships open to all students. They hope to start two more scholarships soon.

Items have been bought for the weight room, which is used not only by athletes but by physical education classes.

"What we try to do is provide the extras that the sponsor doesn't have in their budget, or if they don't have a budget, we try to provide some help for them," Stovall said.

Since the booster club was formed, it has coordinated the spring all-school recognition banquet, which was once held strictly for athletes.

"Ever since the booster club has run it, this has not been a sports banquet but has been for all school activities. Anybody to qualify for a state event is honored - from academics to band to sports," said Stovall.

For some events, such as a fall picnic for football, the club lends support to parents who put the activity on.

Kies points out that a popular new activity this year was a "welcome back" swimming party that had 150-200 students in attendance. Several businesses made donations to help defray costs of the event, which Kies believes will become an annual activity.

On Oct. 7, a tail gate party will be held in the end zone at Houck Stadium prior to the Central-Jackson football game for parents.

One of the club's main fundraisers is an annual golf tournament. Donations also are sought from businesses and parents, and other fundraising events are held.

Stovall said Taco Johns will allow students to sell "community dollars" with the proceeds supporting the non-funded clubs at Central.

"Whatever money we make in fundraising, 100 percent goes back toward the students," said Stovall.

The booster club board meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Activity Center at St. Andrew Lutheran Church. The meetings are open.

"We're open to any suggestions that people may have," said Stovall. "We don't get involved in policy setting because that is not what our bylaws state. We are there strictly to help the students."