Laurie Simmons has worn several hats during her tenure at Vernon, Florida High School over the past several years.
These have included Golf Coach and assistant Football Coach, indeed a unique situation- for Vernon, anyway.
Currently the Vernon Tennis Coach, one of Laurie’s challenges has been to secure financing for equipment, greens fees and other necessities.
New equipment and updated tennis courts have been one of the priorities.
Earlier this year the Vernon Tennis Team was at Golden Eagle Country Club in Tallahassee, where they ran into Allen Long, tennis director at that facility.
Long had the opportunity to speak to Simmons, who related her laundry list of needs and wants, as well as the fact that the team was using tennis courts in Bonifay, a 20-minute drive north of the Vernon school.
Long consulted with Jane Synder from Golden Eagle, and they figured out a way to send the Yellowjackets some new tennis rackets, along with balls, apparel and court nets.
Says Simmons, ‘This was pretty unbelievable. The community has been supportive, and the school district has done what they were able, but the needs were great, so when we saw the generosity of a team that had beaten us on the courts, I spoke to Brian Riviere, Principal of Vernon, and expressed my delight’.
The Vernon Yellowjackets team has been growing and improving, thanks to these, and other donations.
Some students expressed that they would consider joining the team if courts were available, because they could not justify the gasoline and automobile expenses to drive to Bonifay every day.
Vernon tennis player Emma Smith was one such student, and this windfall has ensured that Vernon tennis will continue to flourish.
The Golden Eagle Country Club will be fundraising for Vernon’s courts and if you would like to help, reach out to them at 850-893-1285.
– Courtesy WMBB-TV
