The George Washington High School athletic fields need a little t.l.c. The athletic facilities been in service for 70 years of P.E. classes, soccer games, track and field meets, football games and more. And when your field boasts a bay view like the one at GWHS, it’s only fitting that the field be top-notch too.
This summer, after school lets out, GWHS will begin long-awaited renovations which will include new turf on the football field (also known as the north field) and on the south field, a new track surface. The renovations will not only serve the 2,000 Washington students, but also the 12 high schools and 23 middle schools that use the south field and track for their recreation and sports programs.
The field have turned out some decent talent over the years. Crooner Johnny Mathis was an All-City track star who would have represented the US in the ’56 Olympics had a record company singing audition not conflicted with the US tryouts. And let’s not forget Ollie Matson, a 1952 Olympic Silver and Bronze medalist in track as well as NFL All-Star and Hall of Fame halfback.
The field and track renovations are only partially funded by a bond measure, so the school is taking the initiative to raise funds to cover the shortfall. Under the slogan of “A First Class Facility for a First Class School,” GWHS is reaching out to alumni, sports fans, staff, family, friends and neighbors of the school for support.
There are a couple of ways you can help. Attend a fundraising dinner on Friday, February 26, at Patio Español, 2850 Alemany Blvd. in San Francisco. Tickets are $100 per person ($34 dinner/$66 tax deductible donation) and it includes a lifetime pass to all GWHS football games (Go Eagles!). Or just make a donation in any amount to help fund the renovations. $250 or more will get your name on a plaque.
“We ask the Washington High community to help support our P.E. program and the long standing tradition of athletic excellence at Washington,” said Ericka M. Lovrin, GWHS Principal. “Helping us to raise funds to be able to complete this project will allow young athletes hundreds of hours of increased use on these newly renovated fields.”
To attend the fundraising dinner or to make a donation, download the form here.
Sarah B.