ETHS’ annual Boosterpalooza will take place at Custer Oasis the night of Sept. 20 from 6:30 to 10:30. Boosterpalooza is the largest event organized by the ETHS Booster Club. The club raises money for student clubs, sports and other organizations through ETHS.
This will be the second year Boosterpalooza is taking place in Custer Oasis. There will be food trucks, drinks and local musicians, as well as performances from the ETHS Marching Band, Color Guard and Pomkits.
Last year, the color guard performed with the ETHS Marching Band during Boosterpalooza.
“We performed a cheer song, and it was energetic and exciting. The parents were really thrilled to be there,” said Kevin Watts, a junior on ETHS Color Guard.
Boosterpalooza is an adults-only event and Booster club is a parent-run organization.
“It’s like a big block party,” said Sharon Doyle, a member of the Booster club board and organizer of Boosterpalooza. “You run into people you haven’t seen in years.”
The funds raised by Boosterpalooza will then be given away to different ETHS organizations. Each school year, more than $100,000 will be donated in two allocations, fall and spring. To receive money, coaches, teachers and sponsors can submit a request during one of the two allocations.
For Boosterpalooza to happen, months of planning take place beforehand. Doyle highlights the effort put into the event.
“Planning starts in the spring by getting committee members together,” said Doyle. But even before that, “at the end of last year, people who are doing sponsorships were already reaching out to businesses.”
Boosterpalooza stands out as one of the few school-wide events, making it especially meaningful for many attendees.
“[My favorite part was] just seeing all the people there and the school spirit,” said Watts.
Though this event is fun to attend, its true purpose extends far beyond a single night.
“The Boosters strengthen school spirit and increase student morale,” said ETHS Principal Dr. Quiana McNeal. “Their additional funding allows students’ experiences to be robust.”
The funding from Boosterpalooza plays an essential role in shaping students’ experiences at ETHS.
“Almost every student is involved in something, and [Boosterpalooza] supports all students,” said Doyle.
