Tennis association donates $100K to Joplin High School

The United States Tennis Association has committed to donating $100,000 to the city of Joplin to help help rebuild Joplin High School and its tennis courts, which were destroyed during the May 22 EF-5 tornado.

The contribution comprises a $25,000 donation from the USTA Missouri Valley Section, a $25,000 donation from USTA National and a $50,000 grant for refurbishment of the high school tennis courts and technical assistance.  The USTA also is working with manufacturers and retailers to collect additional donations, including equipment and tennis gear, for the Joplin High School tennis team, according to a news release.

The USTA will hold SmashZone, an interactive fan attraction featured annually at the US Open, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. tomorrow at Missouri Southern State University. The event, which is free to the public, aims to raise the spirits of children and families adversely affected by the tornado.

“We’re excited to bring SmashZone to the Joplin area,” said Mary Buschmann, executive director of USTA Missouri Valley. “It’s an opportunity for the community to gather and have a fun day amid the devastation and cleanup.”

According to its Web site, the Joplin School district suffered extensive losses from the tornado:

• Seven students and one staff member were killed;
• Joplin High School, Irving Elementary School and Franklin Technology Center are considered "total losses";
• Cecil Floyd Elementary School and the Roi S. Wood Administration Building were significantly damaged;
• Kelsey Norman Elementary School and Duquesne Elementary School experienced minor damage; and
• Old South Middle School, Emerson Elementary School and Joplin East Middle School are damaged and are pending further insurance investigation.

In response, the school district established the Joplin Schools Tornado Relief fund. Information on donating to the fund can be found at the Web site.

Construction for Joplin Schools is underway as the district works to open by Aug. 17.[[In-content Ad]]