Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: November 21, 1996

NOVEMBER 21, 1996

Their name says it all: Whitehall High School Booster Club, but for some reason many in the community always think sports when they hear the group’s name. Perhaps it’s all of the purple shirts and hats lining the stands at games or the names listed on the sponsor page of tournament programs. Those highly visible signs make it easy to identify the club with sports. But according to Booster Club President Rich Smith, the group does a lot to support the school in ways that people sometimes overlook.

Every year the group sponsors a pair of $250 scholarships for graduating seniors who have been involved in extracurricular activities. In the recent past, the Booster Club has donated a synthesizer to the band and helped the drama program with the purchase of equipment, Smith said.

The Friday night after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29, the Booster Club will hold its major annual fundraiser, the 21st Annual Auction and Spaghetti Dinner.

With only two weeks remaining before the annual Whitehall Christmas Stroll, Whitehall Business Association members and other civic-minded people are busily preparing for the celebration. Preparations for the Dec. 6 event have actually been underway for months.

Among some of the earliest efforts was work done by Whitehall shop class students. Under the direction of teacher Tom Wheeler, the students cut some new plywood decorations for the town. The shapes were then transferred to the art classes of teacher Mike Battaiola where they were painted with festive holiday images.

As the Dec. 6 Stroll nears, other students will be getting involved in the preparations. Music teacher Mary Brazill will guide the high school chorus as it warms up for melodies to accompany the community tree lighting. Drama students under the direction of Larry Brazill will memorize lines and staging for a presentation of “Damn Yankees.” Students at the grade school will create handmade ornaments which they will decorate 18 small trees lining the town’s sidewalk.

The theme of this year’s Whitehall Christmas Stroll is “Stamp Out Holiday Hassles,” and WBA President Wally Madsen says the sponsors are taking the theme to heart.

Trojan Educator of the Week is Math teacher Bill Herbolich. He was nominated by Mrs. Thronson because his students excel in college math due to the outstanding background they receive from Herbolich in high school Mathematics. The students enjoy Mr. Herbolich’s class a great deal. He has been in the education field for 30 years.

Trojan Athlete of the Week is junior Heather Smith. She was nominated by basketball coach Julie Kieckbusch because she is one of the team’s most consistent players, especially on defense. Heather is in the top three on the team in rebounds, steals, and assists. She will be looked on for her intensity on defense this weekend at the Divisional Tournament in Billings. Heather is the daughter of Rich and Pam Smith.

Trojan Student of the Week is sophomore Virginia Bowers. Virginia was nominated by Mr. Kelly for her efforts in World History. She is the daughter of Pam and Kevin Bowers.