September 26, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES
III • Page 15
Waldwick High School sports enthusiasts have joined together as a “Warrior Nation” to attend sporting events as a group and show support for Waldwick’s team by wearing their Warrior Nation shirts. Available in blue or white, the shirts are $12 each or 2 for $20 and will be on sale at back to school nights and home games. Show your spirit, fans! Sponsored by the Waldwick High School Athletic Booster Club, Warrior Nation is just one of the group’s initiatives. Headed by Paul Maugebauer, the Boosters is a group of parents, staff and other interested parties whose goal is to encourage parent participation and to raise funds to enhance and expand the athletic programs that are available to each student at WHS. While membership is open to anyone in the community, the Booster Club believes strongly that parent involvement during the high school
‘Warrior Nation’ currently sporting new T-shirts
years can be a key to the success of the individual student, according to Maugebauer. The Booster Club played an integral role in the development of the Stadium Field complex, including the installation of the Stadium Field lights and sound system as well as the new score board and bleachers located on the field at Hopper Avenue, which is used for soccer and softball. Money is raised through memberships and fundraising activities, including car washes, poker nights and cookie dough sales, as well as concessions at various athletic events. All funds raised go to support Waldwick student athletes and the WHS programs and facilities. This year the Boosters will begin serving as the fundraising umbrella group for all the school sports organizations, concentrating the effort and then distributing the funds.
Maugebauer is also working on developing partnerships with the Waldwick business community to encourage people’s support for local merchants. “We are always asking the businesses for contributions to our activities. We want to give back to you; to create better partnerships,” he told the Waldwick Chamber of Commerce at a recent meeting. In addition to financial support, the Booster Club recognizes that participation in high school athletics benefits everyone, and the club promotes opportunities to build and strengthen relationships among all involved: the student body, staff, parents, and the community. The Booster Club annually awards multiple college scholarships to graduating seniors and provides “wish list” funding to WHS athletic teams. It also organizes the three, seasonal sports awards dinners. The club also awards a scholarship in honor of Michael Mayer, a Waldwick graduate of the class of 2010 who lost his battle with cancer in 2011. Money is raised through an annual alumni soccer game. This past year money raised by the alumni game was also used to purchase the boys’ soccer team jackets for winning the State North 1 and 2 Sectional Championship. For additional information about the Waldwick Sports Boosters, becoming a member, contributing to its fundraising efforts or to purchase the “Warrior Nation” shirts, please contact Neugebauer at neugsnj@optonline.net.