About the DNHS Athletic Foundation
The DNHS Athletic Foundation supports all Del Norte High School athletic teams by providing financial and material resources, engaging the community, and helping student-athletes compete, succeed, and grow beyond high school.ption or subheading goes here.
Our Story
Our Mission
The Del Norte High School Athletic Foundation was established in 2017 to bridge the large gap between student-athletes’ needs and state/district funding by raising money through donations, sponsorships, and special events.
Our mission is to provide financial and material support for all Del Norte High School athletic teams. Working with leaders in the secondary school community, youth sports organizations, and local businesses, we engage the greater Del Sur and 4S community to support our athletes.
Giving our student-athletes every opportunity to compete and win increases the visibility of all teams, raising the profile of our athletic programs and Del Norte High School. We succeed when we develop a top-tier athletic program, increase college and university recruiting and acceptance, and improve employment opportunities with local, national, and global companies for DNHS student-athletes.
Leadership
Board of Directors
Our board is composed of parent and community volunteers who oversee the Athletic Foundation.
Sarah Wilson
President
Heather Wolfson
Vice President
Tiffinie Harpster
Vice President of Events
Peter Smegielski
VP of Community & Corporate Fundraising
Melissa Bieri
Treasurer
Mary Hughes
Secretary
Cathy Agdeppa
Team Parent & Brick Program Coordinator
Matt Henry
NEST Administrator
Gene & Christine Paik
Social Media Coordinators
Vince Lam
IT & Website Coordinator
Currently Open
VP of Marketing
Del Norte high school athletic foundation
Why We Do What We Do
The DNHS Athletic Foundation bridges the funding gap for student-athletes at Del Norte High School. We dedicate every dollar to giving Nighthawks the resources they need to succeed. Through community donations, corporate sponsorships, and annual events like the Nighthawk Dinner & Auction, we fund essential equipment, facilities, and coaching programs. Because of generous community support, every Nighthawk athlete can train, compete, and reach their full potential. Join us in powering Del Norte athletics — donate today, attend our events, or become a sponsor.
Additionally, the Foundation provides financial support for all DNHS Nighthawk athletic programs. Every student gains access to quality sports resources, regardless of budget constraints. In fact, our programs benefit over 1,500 student-athletes annually across more than 30 varsity and junior varsity sports. From football and basketball to swimming, track, and water polo, the DNHS Athletic Foundation supports every team. Learn more about our upcoming events, how to donate, or how to get involved as a volunteer or sponsor. Together, we can ensure Del Norte High School continues to produce outstanding student-athletes and champions.
There are many ways to get involved with the DNHS Athletic Foundation. For example, you can make a one-time or recurring donation, become an event sponsor, or volunteer at Nighthawk events. To contribute, visit our Donate page. To find upcoming fundraising opportunities, check our Events page. Furthermore, Contact Us to learn more about corporate partnership options.
why should i support DNHS athletics?
The Funding Gap Is Real
Every year, Del Norte High School athletics requires about $500,000 to properly support more than 70 teams and roughly 1,500 student‑athletes across all sports and levels. District funding covers less than 10% of what it actually costs to run safe, competitive, and well‑equipped programs, so the DNHS Athletic Foundation exists to help Del Norte Athletics close that gap.
$500K
Annual funding needed to fully support all DNHS athletic programs.
Covers coaching support, uniforms, safety equipment, officials, tournament fees, and shared facilities used by every team.
<10%
Portion of that annual athletic budget paid for by the school district.
The remaining 90%+ is expected to be covered through voluntary team donations through the Athletic Foundation by team‑led fundraisers, and support from corporate sponsors and the community.
70+
Number of DNHS athletic teams across all sports and competition levels that benefit from Foundation support.
From freshman to varsity, every Nighthawk athlete shares in the equipment, training, and facility upgrades your gift helps fund.
1,500
Approximate number of student‑athletes who rely on DNHS athletic programs each year.
That is nearly half the student body gaining life lessons in teamwork, resilience, and leadership because the community chooses to invest in Nighthawk athletics.
Ready to Support Del Norte Athletics?
Your gift helps fund essential equipment, facilities, and coaching so every Nighthawk athlete has the opportunity to train, compete, and succeed.