Lincoln-Way North Booster Club Has Been There to See Phoenix Rising

The climb to success usually takes a long time, but Lincoln-Way North’s athletic programs have made that climb in a hurry as the school nears the three-year anniversary of its opening.

Sharing in the success story has been the Lincoln-Way North Booster Club. The club promotes and fosters school spirit, encourages support and participation from parents of students, and raises funds by collecting annual membership dues, running concessions during athletic contests and hosting unique events.

Current board members include Karl Levin, Dee Hill, Rick Fraser, Jim Alroth and Shelly Gunnison, as well as Secretary Barb Perozzi, Treasurer Michele Law, Director of Spirit Wear Julie Burke, Vice President of Operations Rick Wiatrowski, Executive Vice President Jim Volante, President Joe Vlosak and Athletic Director Matt Lyke.

Vlosak, who has a background of success with the Boy Scouts of America, has been involved with the Lincoln-Way North Booster Club since its inception.

“I was a scout master for six years and did a lot of the same type of things,” Vlosak said. “My son became an Eagle Scout and I knew with North starting up, there would be a need. Plus, my daughter was going to be an athlete at North, so I got involved.”

One of the unique fundraisers held by the Lincoln-Way North Booster Club each year is its Phun Run.

“We’ve done that since our first year and use the money raised for our scholarships,” Vlosak said. “We give out 12 scholarships, $1,000 each to both boys and girls and use this 5K run as a way of promoting sports and raising money every June.”

Other special events held annually by the club include a Chili Cookoff in October and a Lunch with Santa during the winter holidays. The club also hosted a fashion show, which it hopes will become a successful annual fundraiser.

With August just around the corner and a whole new crop of freshmen about to enter Lincoln-Way North—including many who are the oldest children in their family—there is a unique opportunity for many first-time high school parents.

Those interested in learning more about the Lincoln-Way North Booster Club can get involved by purchasing a $30 annual membership, which will allow them to attend all home sporting events as well as those at the other Lincoln-Way high schools. This is a great way to provide support to the athletic programs by attending home competitions and purchasing items from the concession stands.

The club has a need for more than annual memberships, though, and is always looking for parents to step up and help its cause.

“We’re not asking for too much; with special events it’s helping for a few hours or maybe a half day,” Vlosak said. “There’s pretty much something for everyone to do as long as they are willing.”

Regardless of whether parents are extremely busy or if they have plenty of time to volunteer, the booster club can certainly use the help. Volunteering is a wonderful way to get involved in your community, to do your part to make the high schools an even better place to be, as well as a chance to meet others.

“Giving back to the school is a great thing and it’s something that feels good to be a part of every year,” Vlosak said. “We’re able to meet the coach’s wishes for projects each year and provide scholarships, and we wouldn’t be able to do that without everyone’s efforts.”

To find out more on how to get involved, check out the Lincoln-Way North Booster Club online.