New leadership looks to continue strong tradition

By Jared Lankford Special to the Monett Monthly

For nearly a decade, the Monett Booster Club has quietly become one of the driving forces behind Monett athletics and student activities — though its roots stretch back much further.

According to records, the club has existed as far back as 1984, making it a longstanding part of Monett schools and the community.

According to records from 2016-2026, the Booster Club has distributed more than $283,000 back into Monett schools, athletic programs and student organizations through facility upgrades, uniforms, equipment purchases, travel support and direct group payments.

Outgoing Monett Booster Club president Scott Leach said one of the biggest accomplishments during his time with the organization has been its growth.

“When I joined Booster, we were in the $50,000 to $60,000 a year in sales,” Leach said. “We’ve driven that to almost $125,000 this current fiscal year. That’s a huge change, and that’s a lot of revenue and a lot of abilities for the Booster Club to do more.”

The contributions have touched nearly every corner of the district, from football headsets and wrestling warmups to soccer uniforms, golf simulators and baseball turf projects.

Among the largest investments were $18,000 toward the baseball/softball turf project, $16,053.57 for the baseball concession stand remodel, $15,000 for improvements to the softball field, $15,000 for Monett High School lockers, $11,680 for a flash track timing system and $5,995 for a golf simulator.

The football, baseball and softball programs received some of the largest overall support totals during the 10-year stretch. Baseball and softball programs combined to receive more than $63,000 in funding, while football-related contributions topped $45,000. Basketball programs received more than $31,000, while track and cross country programs received approximately $29,000. The wrestling program also benefited significantly, receiving nearly $18,000 through uniforms, warmups, national competition support and equipment purchases.

Beyond athletics, the booster club also provided funding for cheer, dance, robotics, FCCLA, NJHS, yearbook, academic clubs and middle school activities through group payment distributions.

One of the more unique aspects of the booster club’s efforts has been the group payments program, which distributed more than $105,000 over the decade to participating organizations and support groups.

Leach said the booster club’s impact extends beyond financial contributions.

“It’s a tremendous program, and it does put a lot back into the community and into the school district,” he said.

The organization recently faced uncertainty as leaders sought additional volunteers, raising questions about its future. Leach said a new group has stepped forward to continue the booster club’s work after his departure, something he said brings reassurance.

“It means a great deal to know that it’s going to continue on and that we’re not folding up shop,” Leach said. “But, I know that group would greatly appreciate any additional help or additional headcount. More hands make for less work.”

Leach was also quick to credit the many officers and volunteers who helped build the Booster Club over the past decade and beyond.

“No one person does this alone,” Leach said. “The Booster Club has always been about people stepping up to support kids and our schools.”

During his 10 years with the organization, Leach worked alongside numerous officers and volunteers who helped guide the club’s growth and success, including Eric Merriman, Jennifer Allcock, Jeff Pachner, Ty Goetz, Michael Calhoun, Daryl and Carrie Bradley, Jennifer McBroom, Lace and Julia Withnell, Terri Poole and Katie Hohensee, along with countless others who volunteered their time and energy behind the scenes.

The 2025-2026 financial year marked the largest single-year contribution total in the records at more than $47,000, highlighted by the completion of the baseball/softball turf project, concession stand renovations and new track warmups.

As one Monett Booster Club chapter closes, another begins.

The organization recently announced its 2026-2027 officers and board members, who will carry the mission forward of supporting Monett students, athletes and school organizations.

The 2026-27 Monett Booster Club officers are:

President — Sean Kelley

Vice President — Richie Rhea

Treasurer — Doloris Merida

Secretary — Ashleigh Crowell

Communications — Traci Rhea

Board members include Cynthia Nunez, Gretchen Moore, Tina Kelley and Winter Washick.

The incoming leadership group takes over following a decade of substantial growth and investment under Leach and previous booster volunteers.

While fans often see the finished products on Friday nights or during championship runs, the numbers show the Monett Booster Club has played a major behind-the-scenes role in helping provide resources for student-athletes and organizations throughout the district.

As Leach prepares to step away from his leadership role, the legacy of the past decade — and really the past four decades — is clear: a booster club with roots dating back to at least 1984, more than $283,000 invested into Monett students and programs over the last 10 years, and a community of volunteers committed to continuing that mission for years to come.