Ritchie "Scores" More Than $50,000 For School Sports Programs

With students heading back to the classroom—and the local sports fields—State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing she has secured $51,000 to boost athletic programs at school districts throughout Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties. 

This special state funding secured by Senator Ritchie will help offset the costs of new equipment for student athletes in Northern New York.

“Sports programs not only help students get active, they also help instill leadership skills and teach our young people about the importance of teamwork,” said Senator Ritchie.  “I am pleased to have secured this funding, which will help improve athletic programming in schools throughout the North Country and provide students with new opportunities for building the skills that will help them to excel in the future.”

“For many students, there is a great deal of learning that goes on outside the classroom, and on our athletic fields,” said Mary Beth Denny, Superintendent of the South Jefferson Central School District.  “I would like to thank Senator Ritchie for recognizing how important sports are to the educational experience and look forward to seeing how these funds help to enhance our athletic programs.”

“When students are given opportunities to be part of a team, they are able to build important life skills that not only benefit them today, but will help them to succeed later in life as well,” said Timothy Vernsey, Superintendent of the Ogdensburg City School District.  “One behalf of the entire district, thank you Senator Ritchie for your tireless support of our students.”

Districts receiving funding for sports programs include:

Canton Central School District: $10,000

Hammond Central School District: $10,000

Hermon-DeKalb Central School District: $15,000

Ogdensburg City School District: $10,000

South Jefferson Central School District: $6,000