Franklin High School scores $10,000 sports grant

High school team sports attract media attention. But, relatively few students can participate in these activities.

Recognizing this, the administrative staff at Franklin High School, concerned that many kids weren’t getting the opportunity to stay active, applied for a grant to fund after-school activities. That application paid off on October 1, when executives from Oregon Sports Authority presented check for $10,000 to help fund intramural sports at the school.

“We applied for the ‘Healthy Youth Initiative’ program,” explained Steve Matthews, the school’s Business Manager, who wrote the grant. “Many kids don’t participate in competitive sports; this gives these kids the experience to stay active.”

With the help of P.E. teachers and the school’s Athletic Director, Scott Santangelo, administrators conducted a survey at the end of the last school year to determine students’ interests. “The results were kind of surprising,” Matthews said, as he read off the list of activities — in order of popularity, as voted by the students:

• Yoga

• Badminton

• Bicycling

• Aerobic exercises

• Dance

• Table tennis

“Interestingly enough, we do have a certified yoga teacher here at Franklin,” Matthews said.

At the October 1 Pep Assembly, the Franklin High Auditorium was filled with students on hand to witness the presentation of the symbolic check.

“We asked high schools to make requests for how they would use the money,” Oregon Sports Authority Foundation President Larry Remmers said. “Of the 25 proposals that were received, I’m honored to say that Franklin High School had by far the finest proposal. You’ve won a $10,000 award to help your programs.”

After nearly a minute of student cheering subsided, Oregon Sports Authority CEO Drew Mahalic exclaimed, “We’re proud to present this check to Franklin High School for its Healthy Youth Initiative program. We believe this will be the beginning of a great program here at the school today.”

After receiving the check, Franklin’s Principal Shay James told THE BEE, “It’s wonderful to have partnerships with community members and businesspeople who step up — as in this case — so students will more opportunities to be healthy and active.”

Athletic Director Santangelo added, “In addition to the physical benefits, the grant will provide an opportunity for a diverse group of students to participate together in a variety of after school sports and health activities.”

— From The Bee, November 3, 2010