Volume 5, Number 2
SUMMER 2019
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HIGH SCHOOL DUGOUTS
PHOTO BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY
Fields Undergo Renovations Spurred by Unique Team: High Schoolers For years, William Allen High School’s baseball field was in sorry shape. The playing surface was poor; the outfield would flood after a heavy rain. And the field had no protection for players from the elements. Players sat on open benches, or found whatever natural shelter they could against rain, wind, or blazing sunshine. But thanks to an ambitious project undertaken by the William Allen Construction Company, a student-run organization, the boys’ baseball and girls’ softball teams now enjoy brand-new dugouts. The structures were dedicated in ceremonies on May 3, 2019. Alvin H. Butz, Inc., founded the WACC about 20 years ago. The group currently has 30 members, ranging from sophomores to seniors. “The group models itself after the Butz company,” said Michelle Bruno, a faculty co-advisor (and former member). “Each project has a manager, a PR team, and a design team, and members learn to coordinate all aspects of each project. They do everything except the physical construction.” Plans for the dugouts began taking shape about five years ago, after the baseball team asked the company to consider the project. WACC has tackled big projects before; one of its first was the renovation of the school’s auditorium and lobby.
IN THIS ISSUE 1 High School Dugouts 3 World of Food Festival 4 Focus on the Arts 7 Students of Note 8 Ron’s Ramblings
9 Market Success 9 Real ID Information 10 Business Matters 11 Shop Local 12 Tradition 12 Park Update
The company developed designs, construction specs, and other documentation for the dugouts. “We provided them with guidance and advice to keep them on the right track,” said Butz chairman Lee Butz. “But they did all of the actual work themselves.” The projected cost was $65,000, and the students began fundraising to help defray that amount, until an unforeseen challenge emerged. Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Translated into simple English: The construction company discovered it was legally obligated to provide a matching set of dugouts for the girls’ softball team, effectively doubling the scope and cost of the original project. For the next two years, the group pursued grants and other means of raising the required funds. Last year, Lee Butz proposed a different tactic: try to convince the various contractors to help make the project more affordable. “I invited all of the contractors, plus William Allen 13 New to the Neighborhood 13 Your Thoughts 14 Medical Program 14 St. Pat’s 5K Recap 19 Event Update SUMMER 2019 WEST
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