The Clinton School District hit the first pitch Friday evening with the announcement of a major gift for a much-needed new baseball and softball field. The district shared the news at an alumni tailgate party before the homecoming game.
A foundation created by the late George Lilleston, a Clinton attorney and 1958 high school alum, made a $750,000 gift as its initial contribution. The donation was specifically earmarked for the ball field and covers nearly half the project’s estimated cost.
“George had a big heart – for friends, for kids and for family, and Clinton High School was part of his family,” said Eric Mitchell, a friend of Lilleston’s and local attorney who oversees the foundation.
The Education Foundation for Clinton Students received the gift on behalf of the Clinton School District. The foundation has launched a capital campaign called “A Home for the Future” to raise the rest of the money for the project. The fundraising effort ends January 15, 2025.
“I’m so honored to be a member of the foundation and watch these donations come in,” said Carla Moberly, foundation board president. She and other classmates pledged $1,974 on Friday to support the project and to celebrate their 50th anniversary as Clinton High School graduates.
School board president Cody Westendorff said the project has two phases. Phase 1 includes construction of the ball field, a concession stand, restrooms and lighting on land the school district already owns east of the high school. The artificial turf field will require less maintenance and will be used by high school and middle school teams, the marching band and physical education classes, as well as for community activities. He said the field will be ready by spring 2026. Phase 2 would include a second field.
Currently, the high school teams use ballfields off campus that frequently need maintenance and cause scheduling issues. A recent bond issue passed by voters did not include baseball or softball fields. The bond allowed the district to make stadium improvements during the summer. Once the bidding process is complete in December, other bond improvement projects scheduled across the district include updates to playground equipment, restrooms, classrooms and parking lots, among others.
Ryan Parks, school board vice president, said the ballfield project shows students that the community wants to invest in their future.
“Let’s keep going. Let’s keep the community growing. Let’s make it happen,” Parks said.
The estimated cost for the first phase is $1.5 to $2 million, according to the district. Gifts made to the education foundation are tax-deductible, and gifts of $1,000 or more will be recognized on a donor wall. An online portal for gifts will go live November 1. Anyone with questions about donations can contact Dan Wallace at foundation@clintoncardinals.org or 660-890-3050. Questions about the ballfield project can be directed to Dan Brungardt, district superintendent, at dbrungardt@clintoncardinals.org or 660-885-2237.
