Northern Lehigh School District recognized the donors who made its new scoreboard at Bulldog Stadium possible.

The recognition took place this past Friday on the track before the Bulldogs football game against Executive Education.

The scoreboard was installed in early June by Digital Scoreboards, including curriculum, and Gold Level 5-Year Onsite Labor Warranty at a cost of $180,000. It was funded through capital reserve, and reimbursed over five years by the Northern Lehigh Education Foundation.

Dr. Cathy Keegan, chairperson of the Northern Lehigh Educational Foundation’s Empower To Thrive Campaign, explained, “This campaign is a strategic investment in the future of our youth and our neighborhoods.

“The Northern Lehigh Educational Foundation invites local businesses, philanthropic organizations, and community members to join this collaborative effort,” Keegan said. “Early giving opportunities include naming rights for major facilities, and corporate partnership tiers, such as the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program.”

District Superintendent Dr. Matthew J. Link described the significance of the scoreboard.

“The addition of the new scoreboard was a significant element in our continued effort to enhance the overall ‘Bulldog Experience’ for our student-athletes, band members, students, families, and community,” Link said. “It complements several other significant upgrades to our athletic facilities, including new turf that benefits our soccer, field hockey, and football teams, as well as our physical education classes and our annual Bulldog Games.

“We are also fortunate that our school board recognized the value of investing not only in the new turf, but also in a new track surface that is used by our track and field teams and other student groups. Additionally, lighting in the stadium parking lot was upgraded, further improving the overall experience and safety for students, staff, families, and community members attending events at Bulldog Stadium.”

However, Link noted that one of the most important aspects of the scoreboard project is how it was made possible.

He said that through the efforts of the Northern Lehigh Education Foundation, the scoreboard, associated curriculum, and warranties will ultimately come at no cost to the school district.

The Foundation, which was recently recognized by the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce as its Nonprofit of the Year, undertook a capital campaign and secured significant contributions from two very generous donors to make this project possible, Link said.

He said Rentschler Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Slatington, a local business and longtime supporter of Northern Lehigh, contributed $100,000 and became the first major donor to the capital campaign.

“The NLEF and district are extremely appreciative of the generosity and continued support of the Rentschler family and dealership,” he said. “Those attending events at Bulldog Stadium this year will also notice the new wrap on the front of the concession stand, which is now known as the Rentschler Snack Stand. The wrap was installed by another local business, IDWraps.

“We are equally grateful to Krise Transportation Inc., the district’s transportation provider, which generously contributed $80,000 toward the scoreboard project. Krise has been a strong partner of Northern Lehigh for years. Their team works closely with the district and our families every day to ensure our students travel safely to and from school, while also helping our athletic teams, band, clubs, and other student groups travel safely to and from events throughout the year.

The entire Northern Lehigh community is grateful for the generosity of both Rentschler Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram and Krise Transportation and for the commitment of the members of the Northern Lehigh Education Foundation who made this project possible.”

Link said Friday evening’s recognition “gave us an opportunity to publicly thank those whose generosity, leadership, and commitment turned this project into a reality.

“In addition to recognizing our donors, we greatly appreciate the leadership of former Northern Lehigh Education Foundation President Lori Geronikos, current President Robert Keegan, and Capital Campaign Chairperson Dr. Cathy Keegan. Their efforts, along with those of the entire Foundation, demonstrate what can be accomplished when our schools, community organizations, and local businesses work together for the benefit of our students.

“We are very fortunate to have community partners who believe in Northern Lehigh and are willing to invest in opportunities and experiences for our students.”

Businesses express gratitude

Greg Rentschler, co-owner/dealer principal for Rentschler Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Slatington, said the business appreciated the recognition.

“It was certainly nice to be honored, not only from the way that the graphics came out, but also the school that I graduated from, the market that we’ve been in,” Rentschler said. “The dealership has lived in the Northern Lehigh area for 53 years.”

Rentschler added he believes the school district did a great job of collaborating.

“Anyone who hasn’t been in Northern Lehigh for a while, it’s a really great look, certainly one of the more modern stadiums for an event in the area,” he said. “It really emphasizes the end zones in a dark blue, the Bulldogs color.”

Rentschler also thanked the dealership’s customers for their continued support.

“From a business standpoint, we just want to thank the community for supporting us for all these years,” he said. “Good luck to all of the Northern Lehigh athletic teams in the rest of 2026.”

Kelly Oswald, Krise Transportation Student Transportation Operations Manager, Northern Lehigh terminal, said Krise has been transporting students safely to and from school since the 2023 school year.

“The district has been so welcoming to me and my team,” Oswald said. “I am looking forward to building an even stronger relationship with the district.”

Oswald also gave a special shoutout to her assistant, Donna VanHorn, adding, “I could not do this without her.

“When the opportunity came up to support the new scoreboard, it was an easy yes. Because at the end of the day, our mission and this district’s mission are the same; showing up for these kids and creating moments they will remember, whether that’s a safe ride to school or watching the board light up after the winning play. Krise is honored to be a part of that.”