Justin Startzel, not only supports and believes in his community, but also supports in his alma mater.
Last year, Startzel began the tradition of creating signage to be placed on Stadium Hill to support the Tamaqua Area Raiders.
Just last week, he finished this year's 4' x 8' signage in time to welcome in the new school year.
Startzel, a 2009 graduate of TAHS and a Tamaqua councilman, started the new tradition when he felt there was a need for more endorsements and pride for the students of the district. He also decorates downtown Tamaqua and is the organizer of the only community ran pep rally.
"The signs are also not just for the football team but for the soccer team, golf team, Raider Marching Band etc... These signs say to the Tamaqua Raiders to represent each and every student that walks the halls of the Tamaqua Area School District! I want them to feel proud as they travel the hill to study their academics, play their instrument, draw a picture, score a goal, and a touchdown!
My intentions are to try and support those kids as much as possible and spread as much pride as possible." Startzel says.
When asked what prompted Startzel to start the tradition,
"I just have a lot of pride for the school I graduated from. I was the high school mascot when I went to Tamaqua high and I always envisioned big pride fest etc. I always felt there wasn't enough. I wanted to see more hallway parades & pep rallies endorsing all the kids that go to Tamaqua. So now that I'm an alumni, I figured I wanted to keep that pride alive."
Startzel does not do it alone but with the support of
Mums the Word: John Brode & Amy Zehner, Betsy Kline Melnick and Family, Kelly Gudisauskas Miller and Family, Kane Lumber, Padora's Italian Bakery, The Miorelli Family, The South Ward Playground Association, Tyler Calkins, Lee Calkins, James Jackowski, Austin Miorelli, Ethan Hull, and the Tamaqua Area School District.
 |
| Justin Startzel working on creating the team's logo. |
 |
| Photos courtesy of Justin Startzel |