The LHSAA aspires to create the best atmosphere for student-athletes by fostering first-class interscholastic athletic systems and state championships, providing fervent and knowledgeable administrators and coaches and providing unparalleled academic support.

The association also strives to provide strong community programs to educate coaches, officials and student-athletes while providing a top-notch environment for tomorrow’s leaders. To assist in achieving this mission, the LHSAA has recently established the LHSAA Foundation, which will eventually provide grant funds to member institutions.

The need for the Foundation stems from the monetary constrictions currently preventing the LHSAA’s ability to offer additional services or fund special initiative programs. With a more stable financial base, the association can take a proactive approach toward developing new programs and giving back to our member schools and student-athletes.

The primary goal for the Foundation is to ultimately enhance the participation opportunities already in existence for the nearly 90,000 Louisiana high school students that are involved annually in LHSAA-sanctioned championships. Other goals include increasing statewide awareness of the benefits of participating in educational high school athletics, providing information and raising funds through tax-free contributions from individuals, businesses, other foundations and possibly through revenue generated by an Endowment Game.

Revenue generated by the Foundation can be put to many uses, including the creation of additional scholarships funds, providing natural disaster relief for member schools or catastrophic injuries assistance to student-athletes, offsetting student participation fees and offering additional reimbursements to schools. The fund will also help to fund new health, fitness, safety education and sportsmanship initiatives and offer educational programs for etiquette and media training.

Those interested in contributing to the Foundation may visit www.LHSAAfoundation.org. Donors can simply offer a contribution, or they can purchase a commemorative, customized brick for their school, team, friends or loved ones to be placed in the Walkway of Champions at the LHSAA’s new complex. In either capacity, the LHSAA greatly appreciates donations to the Foundation and support in enhancing interscholastic athletics in Louisiana.

Kenny Henderson is executive director of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA).