Jim Evans was standing in the concession stand line at a Clarkston High School junior varsity football game several years ago and wondered why it was taking so long to cook the hot dogs.
Evans is now one of those cooking the hot dogs.
It’s one bit of evidence of the Independence Township resident’s philosophy of not simply complaining about a problem, but doing something about it.
Evans is in his second three-year term as president of the Clarkston Foundation, an organization devoted to enriching the cultural arts and science education of local children.
The foundation gives grants to local school programs which are outside the regular budget, scholarships to college-bound students and recognition to local teachers through the annual Teacher of the Year award.
It is difficult to hold back his enthusiasm for the foundation’s work.
‘How can you not be excited when you see these students?? he said. ‘It was the students as much as the board of directors that sold me on the efficacy of the program.?
While his two grown sons were athletes at Clarkston, he agrees with the foundation’s motivation to ‘change the culture so our top math, science and performing arts students get recognized in the same way as our athletes.?
The foundation has been in existence since 1989, and Evans was recruited to join in 1992. One of his first tasks was to create a unique fund-raiser, and he came up with the idea of ‘honorary degrees? for major donors.
Since 1993, those earning the ‘degree? have proudly worn athletic-style jackets with the foundation logo. It’s a great conversation piece, and Evans said even activities such as his cooking hot dogs gives a chance to recruit help for the foundation.
‘I’m a parent who’s got something to give back,? he said. ‘I thought if I could do anything to equalize the playing field for students who weren’t getting the attention [like athletes], I could make a difference.?
In addition to his work with the Clarkston Foundation and the athletic boosters, Evans is the founding member of the Clarkston Optimist Club. A certified social worker, Evans shares the giving attitude in his day job as coordinator of an ‘adventure-based counseling? service. He takes groups to exotic places for rock-climbing and other outdoor activities which provide ‘therapeutic experiences.?
Back home, he finds plenty of adventure in helping encourage students to strive for excellence. While he finds it ironic to be part of an organization promoting science and mathematics (‘I can hardly spell science,? he quipped), Evans said the foundation sees results when students earn advanced degrees and land careers in science, engineering and the arts.
‘That maybe didn’t happen without us getting involved in that child’s life and saying, ‘it’s possible,?? he said. ‘We’re that cheerleading section that says, ‘You can do it.??
He is quick to share the credit for the foundation’s success. Deputy Superintendent Dave Reschke was a moving force in the creation of the foundation, and Evans said current administrators and teachers share the enthusiasm for the foundation’s work.
‘It’s a wonderful partnership,? Evans said, noting a lot of the volunteer work put in by school staff. ‘When those teachers show us that leadership, we get excited.?
Indeed, he believes teachers need encouragement as well. The Teacher of the Year program used to offer a $50 prize and a bunch of roses. Noting the small number of male nominees, Evans contacted the folks at Suburban Ford, and now the honor includes free use of a new car for one year.
‘That to me is the balance we have,? he said. ‘To have great students, you have to have great teachers.?
The foundation continues to seek new ways to help. In addition to giving more than $12,000 annually to local school programs, the foundation last year offered the first annual summer science academy. The reaction was so positive, the foundation wants to make the extracurricular activity a year-round program.
In addition, the foundation has announced plans for a similar academy for the performing arts. The cost for such programs is expected to require income of $60,000 a year over the next five years.
‘We’re looking for a major sponsor for these projects,? he said.
He and his wife, Anne (director of student support services for Clarkston schools), share the belief that giving leads to reaping.
‘As Christians, we believe that tithing of yourself is more important than any type of giving. It’s easy to write a check,? he said. ‘When you’re helping somebody, you’re sharing and learning at the same time.?
It seems Evans is always on the go, but he considers activities such as his hot dog duty as ‘spare time? fun. He loves seeing students, and even works to make fans from the visiting team feel welcome.
‘We’re boosters for every student that comes, including the opposing team,? he said.