Stone Mountain High Receives Athletics Grant

“We’re a school with definite needs, so to have the opportunity to provide some top-level athletic equipment and resources for our students is a game changer,” said Stone Mountain High School Principal Michael Costa. “I think everyone is excited about what’s coming. They love our field, but with some of the other things we’re going to be able to get, it is really going to blow their minds.”

That sums up the school community’s excitement after the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) presented Stone Mountain High and the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) with a $250,000 grant. The donation was featured in a pre-game ceremony before the Stone Mountain vs. Redan High School football matchup at Hallford Stadium on August 25.

The matching grant was approved as part of a grassroots program through LISC, provided by funding from the Atlanta Falcons, the National Football League (NFL) Foundation, and the NFL Grassroots Program to complete the artificial surface at Stone Mountain High’s practice football field. The money will also be used to purchase new equipment for the school’s athletics program.

Dale Royal, Executive Director of LISC Atlanta, and his team, Jewel Williams and Dominique Ellis, presented a mock check at midfield to Principal Costa, Athletic Director Douglas Dakin, and DeKalb County Board of Education Chair Mr. Diijon DaCosta Sr.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, thank you to the foundation for allocating funds that directly impact our scholars. It means the world to us to know that the community and stakeholders are supporting the wonderful work of our district and scholars,” said Mr. DaCosta, who also performed the coin toss before kickoff. “This will allow the program to grow, expand, and provide the football and athletics program with the necessary equipment and materials.”

Principal Costa hopes the new resources will lead to higher participation in athletics and, yes, more on-field successes.

“The number one goal is increasing pride in school culture and spirit. I think [the grant] will help, and then the winning will come with that,” said Principal Costa.