ELLINWOOD — USD 355 has added a new program, the Ellinwood Eagle Backers Club, to support athletic and activity programs of Ellinwood High School.
The club is funded through donations, proceeds from concession stands, merchandise sales and advertisements.
Sports that will benefit from Eagle Backers are football, volleyball, cross country, girls’ tennis, basketball, softball, boys’ tennis, golf and track. Clubs that will benefit are FBLA, FFA, Student Council, National Honor Society, KAY, spirit Squad, Power Lifting, Debate and Forensics and the Mystic Blues and Band.
New Athletic Director Derek Schoenthaler presented the concept to the school board earlier this month.
The Booster Club for the district recently disbanded due to a lack of volunteers, Schoenthaler said.
“We felt our kids needed the support programs like this provides, so not having a “booster club” wasn’t an option for us,” Schoenthaler said Tuesday. “After some research, we came up with the idea for the Eagle Backers. Its purpose is the same as that of the previous booster club. It’s now operated through the Activities Department.”
“We have revamped some packages that allow each and every type of fan an opportunity to be a member of the Eagle Backers,” he said. “We are continuing to (provide) information to members around the community because the concept is new. It is catching on quickly as our successful membership drives have shown.”
“We anticipate further growth, resulting in efforts that will allow us to better serve our students,” he said.
There are benefits to becoming a member of the club. To become a Bronze Level member, the cost is $25 and participants receive membership, window decal, discount at concessions and recognition in the program.
$45 will get a Silver Level membership. It includes a window decal, discount at concessions, recognition in the program, recognition on the LED scoreboard and on the football/basketball screen.
A Gold Level membership is $100. In addition to membership, participants receive a window decal, discounts at concessions, recognition in the program, recognition on the LED score board and football/basketball screen, recognition in the high school yearbook and discount on Eagle Backer merchandise.
Platinum Level members with a cost of $300,  receive all of the benefits of the Gold Level. Plus, they will receive a name plaque in the high school commons, a family pass to all home events and a free pass to all away Central Plains League events for the member and spouse.
Memberships with an activity pass changes the prices. A Bronze Level membership with an activity pass is $75 for single and $175 for families.
The cost for  Silver Level with an activity pass is $95 for single, and $195 for families.
A Gold Level membership with an activity pass is $150 for singles and $250 for families.
An activity pass is already included at the Platinum Level.