Independence High School has a rich history of excellence in both athletics and academics.  The Booster Club is proud to serve our student athletes striving to continue this legacy of excellence.  Our Booster Club is working to recapture the success that we had in the 2000’s when our Varsity Football Team won 109 games straight including SEVEN straight NCHSAA State 4-AA Championships.  BIG-I still holds the second longest winning streak in high school prep football and also holds the MOST consecutive wins in US public football history.  Sadly, our facilities do not match or reflect this legacy.  As local taxpayers, voters, and contributing members of our community and most importantly the very proud parents of our student athletes at Independence High School, we appeal to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg District to make an essential investment in our facilities and athletic programs.  Our school and our students are in dire need for a Field House and a Synthetic/Turf Field. 

Independence is one of the very few CMS high schools lacking these two necessary accommodations for our athletic programs.  Our students, families, and fans are more than deserving of a quality field house with benefits that include: 

1.  Convenient facilities for washing hands and equipment reducing the risk/spread of COVID and high contagious diseases.
2.  A safe space for players and opponents to house during inclement weather.
3.  Adequate game-prep space and overall improved player/team experience.
4.  Increased team spirit/morale, school pride and overall public image.
5.  Proper storage for expensive equipment otherwise left in the elements.
6.  Additional weight room and meeting space for players and staff

Independence High School's Patriot Stadium also has a need for a synthetic/turf field.  With our rich legacy of success, it is very disappointing that we are still one of only 7-SEVEN Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools who still does not have this much needed upgrade.  Patriot Stadium is a multi-use stadium with limited space available to expand our athletic facilities.  We have soccer, lacrosse, track/field, and football that all use ONE field. 

Synthetic/Turf field would benefit us in the following ways:  

1.  Steady revenue stream (24/7 availability and sports versatility)
2.  Increase our ability to partner with the community and youth athletics to host soccer, lacrosse, and football events to attract more interest in Mint Hill and Independence High School
3.  No closing fields due to rain and year-round use of the facilities.
4.  No water pesticides or fertilizers needed.
5.  Reduces carbon footprint
6.  Reduce the Maintenance/Labor costs to keep grass fields in acceptable condition.
7.  Playing surface is safer for our athletes.
8.  Better aesthetics and overall school appearance. 

Based on the amount of interest and electronic signatures attached to this letter, we trust you to take the necessary, timely, and favorable action steps to fund the needs of this well-deserving program that has positively impacted and represented Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools since 1967.