Last year, Cooper “Big Country” Lawson was named the Wyoming Gatorade Player of the Year. With this honor came some opportunities to contribute to the community through the company but there was certain criteria that needed to be met.

“That was when it came to the forefront that we don’t have a 501c3 that supports the youth,” answered Heidi Lawson. It’s been something I always felt like this community could benefit from. My youngest is a senior now and started Kindergarten in the valley so we’ve been through all the sports. I think it’s a great opportunity to put some organization around having this great community be able to support the kids and go through an official 501c3 and do something great for the community.”

Star Valley is probably considered unique in that support has never been lacking even if there is not one single entity harnessing that support. Star Valley High School Activities Director, Kyle McClain commented on a few of the advantages of such an organization.

“Obviously there’s that financial benefit,” he said. “But I will say our school district is financially supportive and second to none. I feel like our school board and our district administration and building administration have activities at the forefront. And that’s what the research shows. Kids who are involved in activities are more successful in the classroom. So there’s that financial component but also that community engagement component too. Anytime we can bring our community and our stakeholders [together] for one cause, that’s going to benefit everybody. I’m excited for it.”

Lawson pointed out the next thing the Star Valley Booster Club needs, is volunteers.

“We have put a board together and we want to be good stewards of how this all works and benefit the community,” she continued. “We want to have transparency with the community and be held accountable for what we are doing and also be in support of the kids. We have a board of directors of five people. Then we will start seeing where the needs are and connecting with the community. We will have a website up and running and have a contest for a logo and we want to get ourselves organized and ready when things happen next year.”

The logo contest will not just be for the high school.

“The branding of this is really important,” McClain noted. “We want it to be Star Valley and not just the high school. We want to represent K-12 and we need a logo so we’ll be reaching out to our arts department and trying to create a logo of this new organization.”

Those interested in joining the new club can do so now. “We have five different levels of membership that we are setting up to  allow business or families to choose what they would like to do in support of the kids,” Lawson added. “We will have a paper ready showing all of the different organizations for Star Valley High School right now and donors can pick if they want their donations to go to specific locations or in the general fund. We are trying to let the donors drive what they are wanting to do. We have a fabulous community that has been so supportive. This will also allow you to have that tax receipt to take the 501c3 and be able to do it officially.”

The booster club will not just be for athletics either.

“We are starting with the high school so we can get our feet under us and get going with, but our intension is to support K-12 and all the different activities. From band and drama into the athletics as well. I think our community warrants showcasing everybody. Everybody has a passion and we want kids to realize their passions and be successful in life.”

The website, starvalleyboosterclub.com is currently under construction but is expected to be up and running soon.