ELHS Hall of Fame: How It All Began
The East Lansing High School Hall of Fame was initiated at an East Lansing Basketball Club Meeting in June 2011. By the fall of 2011, the group had set up committees, defined their duties, named committee chairs and began to plan the inaugural awards banquet to be held on June 15, 2012. The selection committee looked to other schools around the state and country who had already established their own halls of fame for guidance in setting up the nomination guidelines.
Once the nomination criteria were in place, a yearly goal of approximately 10 individual inductees and two teams and/or coaches was instituted. The nomination form was made available to the public through social media and word of mouth. The nominations were screened, and after the selection committee’s first review, an open vote was taken.
In November 2011, the
East Lansing High School Athletic Boosters were introduced to the idea of the East Lansing High School Hall of Fame. After some discussion, it became apparent that the induction of former athletes, coaches and teams was an appropriate platform for the Hall of Fame, and the collaboration with the Athletic Boosters would further the effort to support East Lansing Athletics as a whole.
Why Is This Important?
East Lansing has a long-standing history of producing talented athletes who go on to be amazing contributors to society. Whether they have chosen to remain in the East Lansing area, or have ventured around the world, ELHS Alumni can be found positively contributing to an area of their community. The goal of this event, now appropriately titled “Let the Tradition Continue,” will not only celebrate the achievements of talented athletes who have come through East Lansing High School, but also raise money to help offset the increasing costs of high school athletics. The intent is that a portion of the proceeds will be utilized to support all sports programs by helping to pay for uniforms, equipment, and facilities, and to help offset “Pay to Participate” fees at both the high school and middle school levels.
Why YOUR Help is Needed!
Contributors who support the ELHS Hall of Fame will provide a platform to honor East Lansing Alumni who have made a positive impact on our community with their talent of athletics. Contributors will help provide continued support to current East Lansing youth who aspire to succeed in athletics and beyond.
Did You Know?
- The average cost for a middle school student to play two sports in East Lansing (per year) is $395. There are approximately 150 middle school students who participate in at least one sport.
- The cost of a high school student to play up to three sports is $175. There are approximately 400 high school youth participating in at least one athletic sport at East Lansing High School.
The total cost for these youth to participate in athletics in East Lansing is approximately $130,000. Contributors will play a vital role in helping to offset the fees associated with playing school sports, as well as helping to pay for uniforms, equipment, and facilities.
What We Need & What You Get
In order to eliminate Pay to Participate for all students in all sports (grades 7th through 12th), we need to raise a yearly minimum of $130,000. In order to help consistently fund the ongoing costs associated with uniforms, equipment, and facilities we would need to raise a yearly minimum of $70,000.
Other Ways You Can Help
You may not be able to contribute financially to our efforts, and that’s OK! However, we would love to see you support the efforts to celebrate East Lansing Alumni and ELHS Athletics. East Lansing is in the heart of Michigan - but ELHS Alumni can be found everywhere. Help us find them. Email this link to your family. Post it on your Facebook. Tweet! Text about it. Pick up your cell and phone a friend!
