A Joyful Surprise: Del Norte High School Clubs & Sports Receive New Funding to Grow, Create, and Lead

November 10, 2025

Del Norte High School’s gym was buzzing before the doors opened. More than 400 students poured in for the school’s Club Promotion Day, a morning filled with music, energy, and dozens of booths showcasing the creativity, teamwork, and leadership of the student community.

As students explored the booths and connected with different groups, True North and Klamath Promise Neighborhood (KPN) had a surprise waiting for them. In total, $230,000 was allocated to support 57 clubs and sports teams, giving students the resources they need to grow, strengthen their programs, and bring new ideas to life.

The reactions were immediate: cheers, disbelief, and huge smiles. Many students had no idea support was coming. One by one, they gathered for photos as they accepted celebratory checks and shared how they planned to use the funds. Some talked about travel costs, new equipment, cultural events, and team activities. Others shared hopes for new uniforms or materials that would help their programs grow.

The morning was filled with gratitude, excitement, and a renewed sense of possibility.

True North greeted students at the gym entrance, handed out raffle tickets and visited each table to celebrate their work. As students shared their plans, it became clear this support will spark new energy across campus, helping young people lead, organize, and shape the high school experience they want for their community.

The funding was made possible through the Klamath Promise Neighborhood (KPN) initiative. Under this collaborative effort, True North is one of many local funded partners who are working to strengthen school-based opportunities and ensure young people in Del Norte County have what they need to pursue their passions and career opportunities. 

This investment at DNHS was guided by a participatory budgeting process, led by True North parent & student leaders who took the time to run a school-wide listening campaign to identify and map out needs and priorities. Student input overwhelmingly showed a desire to invest more deeply in their clubs & athletic programs as a way to foster belonging and leadership skills in students. 

We appreciate the Yurok Tribe’s leadership in providing an opportunity for students, parents, & school staff to have authentic budgetary decision-making power to improve their schools.

Del Norte High School played a central role in coordinating the event and welcoming this joyful celebration.

However, this moment was about more than funding. It was about honoring student voices, recognizing the determination and creativity already alive on campus, and investing in the next generation of leaders.

True North is proud to walk alongside the students, coaches, advisors, and school community who make this work possible, showing what’s possible when students are trusted to lead and shape their own school communities.