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Matt Bozar Foundation gives more than $23,000 to Clarkson students, funds AEDs at middle and high schools
Summary
The Matt Bozar Foundation donated more than $23,000 to help pay play‑to‑play fees for student athletes and purchased AED units for the middle and high school. Donovan 'DJ' Zula, foundation president and Clarkson alumnus, described the group's mission and how funds are distributed through the district application process.
The board recognized the Matt Bozar Foundation for a donation of more than $23,000 to support student athletes and for purchasing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for Clarkson High School and the middle school.
Stacey introduced the foundation, and Donovan "DJ" Zula — a 2015 Clarkson High School graduate and the foundation’s president — described its mission to cover pay‑to‑play fees for families who cannot afford program costs. "Our mission is a simple one: to finance pay‑to‑play fees for financially challenged student athletes in CCS," Zula said. He explained the foundation works closely with school staff and coaches to identify families and manages a simple application process with monthly board approvals.
Zula read excerpts from applications to illustrate the need: "This will be the first time my son participated in a school sport and he's eager to take part. I am a single mom that would like my kids to stay active in our community," one parent wrote, and another student noted, "Thank you for paying for my scholarship. I really enjoy powerlifting. Thank you and God bless."
The foundation also used funds to buy two additional AED units after discovering the middle school had none and the high school needed an extra unit; the purchase was described as a way to honor the foundation’s namesake, who pursued a career in emergency medicine.
Trustees thanked the foundation and applauded its community work; the district noted the donation helps free up district athletic funds for other uses.
