For 67 years, the Parkland Trojan Alumni Varsity Club has worked to promote and encourage participation in extracurricular athletic activities in the school district.

President Ron Bealer reports the club provides educational scholarships for athletes, offers support for various school activities, advances social and physical improvement among students, and promotes camaraderie for all district athletes and friends.

Bealer, a 1962 graduate who was involved with the track and wrestling teams during his years at Parkland, said the club welcomes not only alumni and athletes but anyone interested in supporting district sports.

The club meets the first Tuesday of each month beginning with a meal at 6:30 p.m. and then the meeting around 7 p.m.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 6 at Iron Lakes Country Club, North Whitehall Township. April and May get togethers will be at the same location.

During the summer, the club meets at Independence Park, Schnecksville, with a picnic supper before the meeting.

Bealer said the group typically invites a Parkland coach to attend a meeting to discuss his or her sport.

At times, the coach brings along senior players to mingle with Trojan alumni and friends, and to answer questions about the team.

Members of the club attend home basketball and football games and sit together, usually wearing Parkland colors.

“We give our support,” Bealer said. “They know who we are. You resonate with the players.”

He noted Elmer Heiney, Class of 1952, holds the longevity record with the alumni club.

Heiney played baseball, basketball and track during his student years.

To encourage younger graduates to become involved, the club gives them a free membership for five years after graduation.

Most of them attend college and some leave the area for jobs, making it harder for them to participate in the club.

Bealer said, however, as time goes on, some of the younger athletes become available and interested in the club’s work and activities.

Several years ago, the Alumni Varsity Club erected a display at the entrance to the athletic wing of the high school.

The head of a Trojan is positioned there surrounded by a base containing bricks honoring school athletes.

The display is lighted at night.

Each year, the Trojan Alumni Varsity Club gives a $2,000 scholarship to a girl and a boy who participated in Parkland sports.

Bealer said last year 350 students applied for the scholarships, which are based on need.

Three club members, two teachers and a guidance counselor work as a team to review the applications, grades, and the required student essay.

Bealer said Parkland staff are a great help to the club and the scholarship process.

“Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rod Troutman is No. 1,” Bealer said. “He does anything within reason and answers questions.”

The primary fundraiser for the Trojan Alumni Varsity Club scholarship program is a golf tournament.

This year, the tournament will be Aug. 10 at Iron Lakes.

Bealer said usually 100 golfers participate and receive a full meal after the day’s events.

Since the scholarships began in 1963, more than $115,000 has been awarded to Parkland athletes by the varsity club.

The group welcomes new members.

For information, call Bealer at 610-730-1060 or Hank Kunkel at 862-268-3358.