I proudly served as the second principal of Dunwoody High School, 1987-1997, a decade of positive changes. DHS Wildcats merged seamlessly with friendly neighborhood rival, Peachtree High School Patriots, enriching the instructional program and heightening school pride and school spirit. Wildcat Pride was celebrated by teachers and coaches making decisions to continue as career educators at DHS. Faculty was proud of longtime relationships with families and teaching siblings. Good instruction built faculty morale and pride of working together to create something special for the students, parents and community.
With Wildcat Pride, I followed the state-of-the-art renovations of the school plant and instructional facilities, marveling at the Wildcat Theater, Academy of Mass Media Communications Studio, Wildcat Weight Room and departmental offices. What fun to see the upgrades to baseball facilities in the movie, Trouble with the Curve, in 2012!
Unfortunately, however, the other practice field is much the same as the last time I cheered the Championship DHS Track and Field Team in 1997. It is for this reason I support the Game On! DHS Athletic Capital Campaign because the renovations and upgrades extend the instructional program.
When the last bell rings, buses load and cars begin to leave the parking lot, classroom teachers become coaches with lesson plans and students become athletes gearing up, suiting up, and packing up for instruction and practicing on athletic fields. For thirty-four teams during their seasons, the next segment of block scheduling begins. Coaches, athletes and trainers follow the long-established routine of carrying supplies to the practice fields. The Wildcat Way is a tradition of doing more than is expected.
I support Game On! because of the Feasibility Study developed by parents and friends of DHS, lending their knowledge and professional skills to create a Master Plan to bring DHS fields and athletic facilities up to current standards to meet the needs and expectations of Dunwoody students in this generation.
The Game On! Campaign is successfully moving forward with storage lockers and spectator seating already installed! Resurfacing of the track and fencing around the track are on the contractor’s calendar! Phase Two plans for outdoor lighting and a new concession/ticket brick building, with restrooms! Every planned upgrade augments the instructional program and elevates Wildcat Pride of alumni and ever-proud parents and faculty who continue to cheer for the Wildcat Way and respected traditions.
I support Game On! because of the life lessons learned at practices that influence an athlete at the next phase as a college student, employee, and leader in family and community. Wildcat Pride is a contagious school spirit that becomes embedded in the memories of athletes who experienced the feeling of family and belonging to a team, always recalling the unexpected motivation from hard practices, unbelievable plays and comments from coaches.
Upgrades and renovations to practice fields matter beyond the last practice, the last huddle and the last play of the game. I support Game On! because I believe in the past, present and future of DHS.
Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat! Game On!
Jennie Springer, Ph.D.
For more information, updates, and
TO DONATE ONLINE OR BY CHECK
please click on the following link: http://dunwoodyalumni.org/game-on-capital-campaign
Click on the link below for Ways To Give (how donors will be permanently recognized):
http://dunwoodyhs.dekalb.k12.ga.us/Downloads/WAYS%20TO%20GIVE.pdf
Donations are not limited to these amounts.
We will gladly accept any amount you can give to help us reach our goal.
Other Ways You Can Help:
Join others who have hosted a fundraising party/gathering/coffee for their neighbors or sports team parents!
[Email Melissa Humphries at irma68@comcast.net to propose a date.]
Spread the word!
Share on Facebook!
