ASH GROVE, Mo. – Ash Grove High School has secured a $25,000 grant from T‑Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights program, marking the only Missouri school selected for this round of funding. The grant is intended to upgrade the school’s athletic facilities, a boost that will benefit student‑athletes and the broader community.
How the money will be used
Grant Williamson, the school’s athletic director, outlined the planned improvements. “We’ll look at replacing some of our bars in the weight room as well. And then, trying to take the rest of that and putting it into the field, and see if we can fix some irrigation issues and some flooding in spots that we’ve had to try and make our field look as good as we can,” Williamson said.
Potential for a larger award
The Friday Night 5G Lights program selected 40 small‑town schools nationwide for the initial grant round. In addition to the $25,000 award, Ash Grove High is in contention for a $1,000,000 prize that will be awarded to the top‑voted school in the Midwest division. Community members can support the school by voting daily through October 25 via the program’s website.
Community impact
Upgrading the weight‑room equipment and improving field drainage will enhance safety and performance for student‑athletes participating in football, track, and other sports. Better field conditions also mean a more enjoyable experience for families and fans who gather for Friday night games, reinforcing the school’s role as a hub of community life.
About the Friday Night 5G Lights program
T‑Mobile’s initiative aims to spotlight small‑town schools by providing financial support for athletic facilities and encouraging community engagement through online voting. The program reflects a broader effort by private partners to invest in local education and recreation infrastructure.
Next steps
School officials plan to begin the equipment replacement and field repairs this winter, pending contractor bids and weather considerations. Updates on the progress of the improvements and the ongoing voting campaign will be shared on the school’s website and social media channels.
For more information on how to vote for Ash Grove High School or to learn about the Friday Night 5G Lights program, visit the T‑Mobile website.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
