Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) has a new addition to its campus thanks to the contributions of LOA families, friends and local businesses.  The baseball/softball field is expected to be ready for play by October.  A dedication and sponsor recognition ceremony will be held in the coming months.

The LOA “Field of Dreams” is funded entirely by private and corporate donations.  Several LOA parents spearheaded the project and launched a multi-level fundraising campaign that reached out to LOA families and friends, and local businesses.  The first component of the campaign was the annual LOA Tees for Titans golf tournament in May that jumpstarted the construction of the baseball field.

“Every public dollar that LOA receives goes directly to the education of our students,” said Dr. Otho Tucker, CEO of LOA.  “Any extracurricular activities we wish to add for our students depends on fundraising efforts, of which the ball field is one. There are numerous uses being planned for the field. We now have green space for our physical education classes and larger outdoor events. Someday you may see a concert on the lawn or a fall festival. Athletics is an important piece of a school’s culture. This will serve as a baseball, softball and soccer field, as well as other field sports. I foresee an adult softball league and other community activities on the field. We are extremely grateful for the tremendous support we have received from our families and the community.”

The “Field of Dreams” is an ongoing campaign to combine high quality college preparatory education for the children while having green spaces and facilities that will enhance the experience of every LOA student.  A facility like the new baseball field is the realization of a goal set by the LOA parents and Board of Governors that will benefit the students of LOA and the entire community.

Above: LOA parents pitch in to install safety fencing at the new baseball field.  Back row (l to r): Jonathan Vining, Frederick Wendt, Tim Hong, Bob Dykes, Dr. Scott Roberts, Dr. Otho Tucker, Kevin Urrutia, Daniel Reddick and Chris Fedelem.  Front row (l to r): Scott Greer, Pete O’Neal, Tommy McDonald, Trey Rhodes and Evan Minster.