MASSP News Center

By Butch Yurk
Principal, Manistique MS/HS
MASSP Board of Directors Member

The Academic Booster Club was formed at Manistique High School in 1989.  Initially, the group was spearheaded by a dynamic high school English teacher named Betty LaPointe.  Betty sought out a few parents and other community members who had the vision of forming a club that would acknowledge and publicly recognize top scholars in our school.

Slowly, the group begin to set up the framework and criteria regarding admission and retention in the Academic Booster Club.  It was not as easy or simple as one might think, as the group wanted to differentiate between those who were Honor Roll students, High Honor Roll students, all-A students, or gifted and talented students.  While acknowledging these students, the group also wanted to identify those students who had an enthusiastic attitude about school, as well as a great work ethic.  This small group of parents and citizens brought in the high school teaching staff to assist them in recognizing these students.

Initial funding for the group came via individual donations or business contributions.  Soon after, the club began having fundraisers such as poinsettia sales, alcohol-free tailgate parties at HS sports events, chill cook-offs, etc.  One of the largest employers in our area, Manistique Papers Inc., annually sponsored the student recognition dinner.

Over the years, the club became more formalized, complete with officers, regular meetings, and financial guidelines.  One of the key reasons that the club enjoyed success during this time was that the teachers “bought into” the whole concept of recognizing great students.  They became an integral part of the Boosters, and willingly volunteered dozens of hours with attending meetings and serving as the liaison between the students and the other club members.

Some examples of programs the group was able to provide included educational field trips, mini-grants for teachers who worked with these students, mentoring programs, and bringing in motivational speakers or groups for the entire school district.  Much like athletic booster clubs operate, the Academic Booster club tried to provide “extras” that the school district would not or could not fund.

It’s now been nearly 20 years, and Manistique Area Schools is proud to say that we still have a functioning Academic  Booster Club that continues to identify and recognize students in our district who are worthy of acknowledgment!