CRESTVIEW — By supporting area schools’ projects and organizations, local businesses also support students’ education, Crestview High School student body President Chapman Tew says.
Chapman said he sees first-hand the value of community support, especially from area businesses, and its impact on CHS student programs' success.
“We couldn’t do a lot of the things we get to do without your support,” Chapman told business and community leader gathered for the March 5 Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting.
While high-profile organizations such as the band and athletic teams garner support, smaller student clubs and groups also benefit, students and educators say.
“While we’re self-sufficient, everything is from money we earn,” drama teacher and Thespians adviser Annette Gebhardt said. “It’s important that if people are willing to donate, we hope they remember all the clubs.”
COMMUNITY HELP
That’s a message embraced by many business owners, such as Michael Rutledge, owner of Signs Galore.
“We get the satisfaction that we help the kids,” he said. “We look at it that way because they’re not necessarily our target market. We do it because we’re being helpful to our community.”
Community financial support offers benefits beyond money, supplies and materials for raffles, Gebhardt said. Funding their own programs teaches students fundamentals of raising operating capital, budgeting and leveraging sometimes meager resources.
“The kids are very aware of costs, because it trickles down to them,” she said. “Even the cost of T-shirts and things. They know we can’t just hand them out.
“They understand we can’t do everything they’d like to do. They understand we need to do fundraisers and ask for donations of things like door prizes.”
SUPPORTING EDUCATION
Chapman said business support is critical to all student co-curriculars and class programs, and encouraged local businesses to continue their sponsorships, gifts and buying ads in programs.
“They can support us by continuing to support our growth educationally and aid us in the projects and extra-curriculars we’re all part of,” he said.
Rutledge said Signs Galore’s support for school programs may not be a profitable business decision, but it is a responsible thing to do as part of the community.
“I don’t expect necessarily to get work out of it,” he said. “If we get the benefit of a job or two or a small amount of advertising, that’s good enough for us. It’s more of a community service.
“Doing something for the students and community is enough for me.”
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview student: Businesses' contributions invaluable to CHS programs