New Scoreboard Will Light Up John Jay's Contest Field in September

A new high-tech scoreboard will be installed in time for the first athletic contests of the 2010-11 school year. It replaces the current 30-year-old equipment, which has an irreparable bulb that gives visiting teams a negative score.

The new board will do much more than keep score—it will improve the spectator experience with more information, such as penalty kicks and shots on goal. A message board function will allow the school to post information such as game cancellations. Wireless hand-held devices will be able to change the time and score, making it adaptable for modified sports, physical education classes and community groups.

"It's an exciting piece of equipment, and one that's sorely needed," said Chris McCarthy, Katonah-Lewisboro's director of health, physical education, athletics and wellness.

Two years in the making, the scoreboard is one of many major enhancements achieved by the 20-year-old John Jay Booster Club, from the million-dollar "field of dreams" project 10 years ago—which included the contest field, track and stadium—to the .

Booster club president Marianne Flayhan said the club annually raises about $70,000 through memberships and such events as the golf outing at Waccabuc Country Club and the Harlem Wizards basketball games. A deposit of $40,000 has been put down toward the scoreboard with the remaining $15,000 still to be raised by November.

"We're hopeful that memberships and donations will come in before then," said Flayhan. "It's a great cause, even for younger parents to contribute toward—it's their kids that will really benefit from these projects in the years ahead."

Flayhan, who has two children, one at the middle school and one at the high school, has been a booster club member for 5 years and this will be her third as president. She said she gives her time because she believes in athletics as an extension of the classroom—for all students, not just athletes.

"The fitness center and the scoreboard benefit all students. And sports helps kids learn about character, discipline and loss. We want to help field as many teams as possible in the district." 

The scoreboard is a symbol for the community, said McCarthy. "Marianne's commitment and that of the whole booster club is an incredible show of support. We are trying to create the best possible facility for students."