The Live Oak Athletic Booster Club was in need of a life saving
shot of adrenalinIn the June 2001 elections. The club was without a
president, the vice-president had resigned suddenly in May, and
Athletic Director Dennis Martin warned the existing members that
unless new officers and members could be found the club was in
danger of folding. It wasn
’t in danger of financial collapse, just a lack of
leadership.
The Live Oak Athletic Booster Club was in need of a life saving shot of adrenalinIn the June 2001 elections. The club was without a president, the vice-president had resigned suddenly in May, and Athletic Director Dennis Martin warned the existing members that unless new officers and members could be found the club was in danger of folding. It wasn’t in danger of financial collapse, just a lack of leadership.
A concerned group of parents, mostly those of 10th grade student athletes from the class of 2003, stepped into the breach. Pam Mom and Jeff Pedersen were elected to the offices of President and Vice President respectively. Karen Bair was re-elected as Secretary and Rose Marie Acosta agreed to serve as interim Treasurer. Under their leadership the club re-established itself and kept the heart of the athletic program beating with fresh transfusions of money.
As in any democratic organization, the end of the school year in 2002 brought another election and new faces were added to the slate of club officers. Linda Smart was elected Treasurer, bringing her financial acumen to the fore, and Shelley Hatakeyama ably took on the task of Secretary. Mom and Pedersen were re-elected. The club is now rapidly approaching the end of another successful year of fundraising.
On April 8, the Live Oak Boosters will again be holding elections for officers, this time for the 2003–04 school year. Mom and Pedersen, both having served for two years, have indicated a willingness to step aside in favor of new leadership if candidates would come forth. Both have children graduating this year and Pedersen cites conflicts with his work schedule.
“We really need the parents of the 9th and 10th graders in the district to step up,” said Mom. “Many present members of the club are the parents of juniors and seniors, and they are looking toward the end of their roles in support of Live Oak. We need new officers and members with fresh ideas and high energy levels to invigorate the activity level around here.”
“The jobs are not that difficult, nor especially time consuming,” said Pedersen. “The president primarily acts as the representative of the Live Oak Boosters to the public and presides over all meetings. The main function of the vice president is to chair the Allocation Committee – the committee that helps determine how much money the club will disburse to the teams.”
The purpose of the LOHS Athletic Boosters Club is to acquire funds through multiple means as necessary for the improvement of Live Oak High School boys and girls athletic programs and facilities.
The fiscal woes of the state and the school district have yet to impact the athletic program, but changes are sure to come as school district administrators around the state are juggling budgets and trying to decide where to cut programs and expenses. Fund raising will need to be raised to a higher level in the coming years to help cuts in athletics.
Elections for officers and directors will take place at Live Oak High School on Tuesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. Meetings are held in the Live Oak library.
The club meets monthly throughout the year. Those interested in joining are welcome.Details: Pam Mom at 778-7860.
