The newly formed East Ridge Alumni and Supports Association recently met to discuss plans on moving forward and supporting East Ridge High School.
The association presented a plaque to East Ridge football coach Tracy Malone to commemorate the team’s 10-0 regular season.
The association is coordinating an effort to provide three portable toilets which will help make it possible for the Pioneer football team to host Smith County on Friday night at Raymond James Stadium/Shanks Field. The game was initially going to be contested at Finley Stadium, as the home stands at the aging facility were condemned by the City in August.
According to Candace Bell, the group’s secretary, the Alumni Association has received it’s non-profit status, has a tax ID number and a bank account. Bell said that Certified Public Accountant Steve Scruggs (Class of ’76) and Cris Helton were instrumental in moving these legal and financial matters forward.
The association discussed forming a board of directors. Emerson Russell, Chuck Grant, Mike Evatt and Beverly Garner were each elected for a one-year term. Membership, Community Communications, Major Donors and Events, ERHS Class, Social Media and ERHS and ERMS Liaison Committees were formed.
Bobby Hudgens announced that the group will begin selling wristbands with “East Ridge Pioneers … Help Build It,” in an effort to raise funds. It was noted that Valerie Knight (Class of ’74) was “extremely helpful” in coordinating the fundraiser.
During the meeting it was announced that there is the potential for the group to sponsor a professional wrestling match to be held at the ERHS gym to help raise funds for the group. The match would include ER Alumni and UTC alumnus Gunner Miller. The match is tentatively scheduled for December.
In a few short months the group has attracted 60 members, a report by Bell states. Bill Shipley has created a Website for the group and continues to add photo galleries and other content.
The East Ridge Alumni and Supporters Association will hold its next meeting on Monday, Dec. 7 in the ERHS library.
