What signifies the end of summer for you? While the official end of the summer season is not until Sept. 23, for many, summer ends with the dawn of a new school year. That was the case this week, as Lawrence County schools began a new year, and the fall sports season begins in full next week.

That means our local schools athletic programs will take the field, court and courses all over Lawrence County

But, will you be there to support them?

Each year, hundreds, if not thousands, of student-athletes across Lawrence County work hard each day to improve in the classroom as well as in their respective sport. That means that each of these young people deserves the highest level of support a community can provide.

While we all know that football is king in the state, it goes for soccer, volleyball, marching band, tennis, cross-country and any other event the school is having. And this doesn’t mean only at the high school level, it goes for middle school and youth sports as well.

I certainly understand there can be a variety of reasons that people cannot attend these school events, whether it is simply not financially feasible or other obligations may prohibit you from attending.

Community spirit goes a long way for these young people, as it gives them a sense of pride and desire to look up and see the stands filled with their neighbors and fellow citizens cheering them on.

And it is not just about the sporting events; it is providing support in the classroom and community as well.

Whether it is a science fair, or a community car wash or bake sale, being there to help and get something accomplished for your community will benefit everyone.

But please don’t take this that it is all on the residents, as the schools can help in this as well.

Unfortunately, the reality is that we are in an economically challenged area and it can be difficult for a family to attend a high school football game. Instead of charging students $3 and adults $6, why not allow students in the game for free? I can remember when I was in school, students could purchase tickets at school for $1 or if you wore your youth football jersey, you got into the games for free.

For a family of four (two adults and two children), it costs nearly $20 just to purchase tickets to get into a high school football game. Add in getting something to drink, a slice of pizza or popcorn, a family could shell out $30-40 to attend a football game. You have to wonder how many don’t attend simply because they don’t have that disposable income.

If you allow students in for free, that $20 in tickets becomes $12 and then may have the ability to purchase food and drinks from the concessions that support band and athletic booster clubs. These clubs use funds to help offset athletic department costs.

Ultimately, does this mean that some would now attend because the ticket price was lower? Maybe not. But it would be a step in the right direction.

Community spirit goes a long way for these young people, as it gives them a sense of pride and desire to look up and see the stands filled with their neighbors and fellow citizens cheering them on.

And it is not just about the sporting events; it is providing support in the classroom and community as well.

Whether it is a science fair, a car wash or bake sale, being there for support to help get something accomplished for your community will benefit everyone.

Simply put, this is about residents, the schools and local businesses coming together to achieve a common purpose that helps their respective community while showing our youth with hard work and determination, great things can be realized.

 

Josh Morrison is the general manager at The Tribune. To reach him, call 740-532-1441 ext. 16 or by email at josh.morrison@irontontribune.com.