Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Alumnus David Sullivan pledges $500,000 as Steelton‑Highspire leaders unveil athletic complex plan
Loading...
Summary
School leaders and alumni outlined a three‑phase plan to revitalize the Steelton‑Highspire athletic complex as a community hub, with fundraising led by the Roller Nation Foundation and a $500,000 gift announced by alumnus David Sullivan.
Leanne Thorne Becky, a district employee who said she works as an assistant to the school’s coach, opened a public presentation outlining a revitalization plan for the Steelton‑Highspire athletic complex and introduced district leaders, alumni and project partners.
The district superintendent described the proposal as "a quality of life project, a community hub project that's going to do things that are gonna be transformational for our communities," and said the district is working with the Roller Nation Foundation and On Hill Development on the effort.
Andrew Irby, the high school’s head coach and athletic director, said the district faces funding shortfalls and described how an "unplayable surface" has affected student athletes and extracurricular programs. "Are we helping kids? Are we hurting kids? Our job is to help," Irby said, framing the project as a way to expand athletic, educational and wellness opportunities for students and the broader community.
Leanne Thorne Becky described a three‑phase project timeline: Phase 1 would replace the turf field, update lighting and subsurface storm management and add a six‑lane track; Phase 2 would bring stadium seating and the grandstand into ADA compliance; Phase 3 would create a career, education and wellness center that could host practices, extracurricular programs, culinary arts and childcare space.
Mark "JJ" Carnes, the district business manager and representative of the Roller Nation Foundation, outlined fundraising channels and sponsorship opportunities and directed potential donors to rollernationfoundation.org and a mailing address at 250 Reinders Ave in Steelton. "RollerNationFoundation.org is the place to go," Carnes said, listing gifts from cash and checks to endowments and retirement assets as acceptable contributions.
David Sullivan, introduced as a longtime alumnus and project ambassador, recounted his family and community ties and announced a major gift. "I'm announcing today a $500,000 gift," Sullivan said, urging other alumni, local businesses and community members to support the campaign and calling the project generational in scope.
Organizers said ambassadors for the campaign include former professional players and local leaders; they emphasized that the project is intended to benefit a broad set of residents — students, elderly residents and Head Start families — and restore programs that previously lacked space.
The presentation concluded with an invitation for questions and private follow‑up. Organizers said they will continue outreach and fundraising to complete the three phases over multiple years.
