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The mission of the Sports Booster Club is to promote wholesome athletic activities for our young people because competitive athletic activities provide students with experiences that

Ø help them discover the rewards that can be achieved by hard work in a competitive activity;

Ø enable them to develop skills, attitudes, and talents that will enhance their lives in years to come;

Ø occupy their time during a period of their lives when they face many ruinous temptations;

Ø cause them to become emotionally involved with and dedicated to a group, which provides an anchor during a period in their lives that is often tumultuous.

These activities benefit not only the students and their parents but also benefit the community at large and should be funded by all of us in the community through our school system. Most schools have responded to the lack of funding situation

Ø by counting more and more on booster clubs and club sports associations to take up the slack when funds are cut.

These responses leave out many poorer students who might benefit the most from participation in these activities. Although the adults directing these non-school activities can often find ways to include the most talented of the poorer students, many others of lesser ability are left out.

Fundraising drives by the various activity groups (not just sports activities) are another reaction to this situation. The increase in fundraising has reached an almost annoying level and possibly reached the level of decreasing returns. It is an inequitable and haphazard way to provide money for activities that ultimately benefit everyone in the community.

School sports provide a structured avenue for parents to challenge policies and unacceptable behavior on the part of personnel. Also, the financial activities of school athletic departments are closely monitored.

ST. HELENS SPORTS BOOSTER CLUB NEWSLETTER

Annual auction on April 28^th beginning at 5:00 PM at the fairgrounds

o Table sponsors are being solicited (table sponsors are not expected to pay the $20 admission fee for their guests); each table will seat eight people

o Tables will also be available for individual attendees

o To make reservations contact Neil or Johneta Johnson at 503-397-2292 or neil724@q.com

o To donate items (tickets to pro or college athletic events, weekends at a vacation cabin, part of a time-share, guided fishing/hunting trips, pro or college sports memorabilia, woodworking projects, garden furniture, etc. etc.) contact Steve Mood at 397-1125/396-6907 or sjmood@columbia-center.org

o Interesting donations continue to come in

· a Tibetan rug purchased by Rosemary Jeffrey while she was trekking in the Himilaya

· tickets for Timbers soccer

· a family height board

o Tables may be decorated Friday evening and/or Saturday morning beginning at 10:00 AM

o This year’s challenge item will be the tennis courts which are in dire need of renovation. Your donations to this cause will be very much appreciated.

Mid school track

Ø The non-school program was set up due to the efforts of Heather Bumgardner and Kay Enyart.

Ø It is being financed by a $100 fee being charged the participants.

Ø 73 kids are participating and being led by five coaches. Previously when the program was being funded by the school district, there were as many as 120.

Ø There will be six meets.

Club officers re-elected: Tom Halligan – President; Steve Mood – Vice President; Mindy Sass – Secretary; Sherry Welter – Treasurer; Heather Bumgardner – Membership Chair.