For the week of  October 3 - 9, 2001

Browning Field dedicated at Community School campus

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By PETER BOLTZ
Express Staff Writer

Saturday was an "amazing day for the Community School," headmaster Jon Maksik told his audience gathered around him at the school’s new Sage Willow campus in Elkhorn.

Community School benefactors Ed and Carol Browning Dumke were honored Saturday for their donation of land to the school. Student Body President Sarah Bahan said, "On this perfect morning, we would like to thank the Dumke and Browning families."  Express photo by Peter Boltz

It was amazing not just because it was a spectacular autumn day in Sun Valley, but because it was the day a dream came true for the school—it now has its own soccer field, which was dedicated Saturday as Browning Field.

Ever since it had a soccer program, the Community School has been using Atkinson Park in Ketchum for its practices and games.

However, about 30 acres of prime real estate were donated to the Community School by Ed Dumke and his wife, Carol Browning Dumke, two years ago.

"Their generosity met our needs," Maksik said. "The idea of this was beyond my wildest imagination."

Saturday marked the end of years of preparing Browning Field and two other soccer fields on the property. Two restroom buildings also were erected.

Maksik said there also was the possibility that the Community School would move its elementary school to the Sage Willow campus. The Trail Creek campus would serve its middle and high schools, and the administration.

The field dedication also made for a patriotic moment and memorial for victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the East Coast.

Boy Scouts of Ketchum Troop 192 raised the flag while Scout Connor Wade played "To the Colors" on his trumpet. Community School fifth-graders then led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The ceremony was crowned by freshman Carina Covella, 14, who sang "The Star Spangled Banner."

After the Dumkes heard thanks from the school board of trustees chair Tim Mott, Student Body President Sarah Bahan and Maksik, the Community School soccer players went back to trouncing their competition from Declo.

The Lady Cutthroats won, 5-0, before the dedication, and the boys varsity won, 9-2, after the dedication.

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