Ellen and Jim Leigh: Supporting Gloucester HS sports with the Athletic Booster Club
GLOUCESTER, Va. — This past August marked 11 years since Ellen and Jim Leigh became involved with the Gloucester High School (GHS) Athletic Booster Club. The couple has always had a sports connection, they actually met in 2007 through Gloucester Youth Baseball.
Over the years, the Leighs have focused their efforts on serving their community and each of them have consistently volunteered in various ways. Jim serves on the Gloucester Board of Zoning Appeals and also serves as a director and former coach for Gloucester Youth Baseball. Ellen currently spends much of her time supporting Gloucester through the GHS Athletic Booster Club but has previously been involved with the Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce.
Catch the question and answer segment below to learn about the dedication and drive that Ellen and Jim have for their booster club organization and the athletes of Gloucester High School. Be sure to check in with the Leighs and GHS when the new school year’s sports season kicks off soon to see how community members can support the local athletic programs for Gloucester Dukes youth participating in high school sports!
What is a “Booster Club”?
Ellen and Jim Leigh: At Gloucester High School, the Athletic Booster Club is an organization formed to help support our student athletes and athletic teams. We support them through volunteering time, raising money, and contributing those funds to better enhance their performance and programs. Our main fundraising is concession operations. Profits from concession sales are utilized for senior scholarships, sports awards and recognition, and the allocation of funds for additional athletic needs over the departmental budget.
What is your “why” or your passion for the program?
Leigh: As former GHS graduates and athletes ourselves, as well as our four boys, we take a lot of pride in our small-town community and school sports program. We enjoy the excitement and competition of the games, along with cheering on local athletes. In addition, we’ve met new friends and love watching student athletes grow into young adults. Participating and volunteering in the Booster Club is a great way to be involved with your kids. I always believe if your kids are going to be at the games with their friends and cheering on their team, why wouldn’t you as a parent not want to be there too.
What do you most enjoy about supporting the program?
Leigh: We’ve learned some heartwarming observations from volunteering in high school concession stands. It definitely can be a whole new level of crazy: but it’s also so much fun! It’s great to watch kids in their element and parents cheering for their players. It’s fun to get to know and hang out with other great volunteers and parents, as well as an amazing opportunity to “people watch” for those heartwarming moments.
We have sold over 23,000 Chick-Fil-A sandwiches and countless hotdogs, pizza, nachos, and popcorn. We’ve presented $36,000 in scholarship funds to deserving senior athletes. In addition, we’ve learned that 97% of people are incredibly nice and to not let those other 3% ruin it for us.
It’s awesome to watch kids help each other. They buy drinks for their friends, share snacks, or loan them a balance when they’re short of funds. People say cruel things about teenagers today, but it’s the sweetest when they react to their friend’s needs and they’re having fun together. And nothing makes me smile more when young people that you haven’t seen in years or previous graduates shout “Thank you, Ms. Ellen, it’s so great to see you’re still here!” as you hand them their concession order.
What is your message to the community?
Leigh: We’re always looking for additional volunteer parents and community members to assist in supporting our Gloucester Dukes! Come join the fun!
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