Reunion revenue — Alumni help raise thousands for Weston County students

When Newcastle alumni gathered for the All-School Reunion this summer, they did more than reconnect — they invested in the next generation, raising thousands of dollars for local students.

Lacey Von Eye, president of the Newcastle High School Booster Club, said the club’s annual golf tournament — its largest fundraiser of the year, followed by its membership drive — had its best turnout in years and raised twice the amount it usually does.

The tournament capped at 18 teams and 72 players, bringing in about $10,000, compared with an average of 11 teams in a typical year, Von Eye said.

“The support from our alumni and those who played is amazing, and it will greatly help our students who are involved in activities,” she said.

The event also featured a single auction item — a football helmet signed by past and present NHS football players — that sold for $500.

Proceeds from the tournament, memberships and donations help ensure that all students can attend athletic camps, cover costs for activities beyond community-level competition, provide training equipment, fund a scholarship and support the school’s 3Plus Award program, Von Eye said.

“Without community and business support, our students are not privy to the same opportunities for athletics and activities,” she said. “We are so appreciative of the support our community gives the Booster Club, and we love being able to give back so that our students get the experiences and opportunities to grow and be successful.”

Von Eye added that the club helps fund school-sanctioned activities and athletics, reducing the need for individual programs to run intensive fundraisers.

The Newcastle High School Student Council also raised about $400 during the All-School Reunion Parade, adviser Maggie Unterseher said. The money will help fund homecoming, scheduled for Sept. 28 to Oct. 4.

The group originally planned to use parade proceeds to help send nine students to the Summer Leadership Camp sponsored by the Wyoming High School Activities Association.

“We did not raise enough from the parade to pay for their entire trip to Summer Leadership Camp, but it helped with a portion of it,” Unterseher said. “We have done other fundraisers that will pay for SLC. We just intend for the parade entry fee to be used for homecoming.”

The All-School Reunion 5K, which raised about $1,600, was another success, according to cross-country coach Kathy Beehler.

“Runners from age 10 to over 50, and as far away as Alaska, came together for a morning of camaraderie, competition and community spirit — all for a good cause,” Beehler said.

Former coach Pat Hayman and veteran runner Homer Hastings were part of the crowd of athletes, families and fans at the event.

“Having Coach Hayman and Homer here really made the 5K complete,” Beehler said. “It was like a big family reunion for the cross-country program.”

Beehler said Marchant WYO Realty, David Chick and Par Pacific sponsored medals, ribbons, race bibs and timing equipment, while Sagebrush Marketing designed and produced the event T-shirts.

Funds from the race will support the team’s Mickelson Trail bike ride field trip, bonding activities such as the Spearfish trail run and water park trip, hydration and bike maintenance supplies, and nutritious post-practice snacks.

“Cross country is a lifetime sport, and we pride ourselves on the family-like atmosphere of our team,” Beehler said. “This race wasn’t just a fundraiser — it was a celebration of everything we believe in. The All-School Reunion 5K was more than a race — it was a reminder of how sports can unite a community, span generations and build lasting traditions.”

Bob Bonnar, chairman of the Weston County School District No. 1 Education Endowment Foundation and publisher of the News Letter Journal, said alumni also gave generously to support the Kozisek Aquatic Center, a community resource the foundation is partnering with the district to sustain.

“We think it’s vital,” Bonnar said.

Fundraisers for the pool brought in nearly $3,000, which Bonnar called “a strong start.” He also thanked former resident Collin Townsend
for donating license plates from his collection, some of which will be used in future fundraisers.

“We’re going to keep plugging away at the pool,” Bonnar said.

A final fundraiser held during the reunion, the Alumni Auction, attracted dozens of donated items and drew a huge crowd, but reunion organizers did not disclose the total amount of money raised through those efforts.