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Wooster High Stadium Will Have Lights in Time for 2011-12 Season
Reno, NV (April 29, 2011) - Wooster High School successfully has raised the necessary funds to purchase and install stadium lights for its football field.
This is the final football stadium in the Washoe County School District to receive lights, accommodating nighttime games. Preparations for installation already have begun and all work is anticipated to be complete by the beginning of the 2011-12 football season.
"This is an absolutely wonderful thing for our school and our students are so excited," said Debra Biersdorff, principal at Wooster High School. "We're grateful to our parents, students, teachers, community and the school district for their support. The best part from a financial perspective: Absolutely no school district funds are contributing to this project. It was completely community-, grant- and donation-funded."
The total estimated cost of the project is approximately $151,000.
"Wooster has a long tradition of excellence, pride in and support for its athletics program," said Mark Stanton, Chief Capital Projects and Facilities Management Officer. "The community, parent and student/staff involvement in fundraising for this project reveal their absolute commitment to the school and the importance of school spirit."
Because of a lack of stadium lighting, the freshman football team played at 3 p.m. on Thursdays in previous seasons, making it difficult for parents to attend home games. Additionally, student turnout for Saturday varsity and junior varsity games was low; in fact, more students typically attended away games on Friday nights than home games on Saturdays.
"We can't wait to see our students shine in the spotlight on Friday nights, where they belong," Biersdorff said. "Students and their families will be able to make a Friday night football game a social and community event. It will help bolster school pride and make our community even stronger."
Given Wooster's proximity to Reno-Tahoe International Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration previously had prohibited the installation of stadium lighting. However, new technology allows for "high cut-
-more-
off, low trespass" features and the FAA and Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority have no objections to the project.
Grants from the E.L. Cord Foundation and the Nell J. Redfield Foundation supported the cost of purchase and installation.
"The entire school district is thrilled to see this important project underway," Stanton said. "School pride undoubtedly will be at an all-time high when we flip the switch during the first home game next year."
About Washoe County School District: The Washoe County School District includes the Reno/Sparks metropolitan area, Incline Village, Gerlach, Empire and Wadsworth, Nevada. The District provides each of its 63,000 students with a superior education in a safe and challenging environment and is committed to graduate every child career and college ready.
For more information visit www.washoecountyschools.org. Follow us on Twitter at WCSDTweet.
Washoe County School District
425 East Ninth Street
Reno, NV 89520
