Washington Local Schools and Mercy Health are excited to announce a new initiative starting during the 2022-23 school year that gives an all-access opportunity to every member of the Whitmer student body to attend all school-sponsored sporting events free of charge.

Mercy Health has committed to the district’s foundation to help bolster opportunities for Washington Local Schools students to attend sporting events throughout the school year. The funds will help offset revenue generated by event ticket sales, allowing the district to offer free entry to Whitmer High School students to all home games. 
 
The initiative was the result of a shared vision by the school district and the health system to ensure students remain engaged with their school and to offer a safe environment for students outside of school hours.
 
“Mercy Health has provided an exciting opportunity for every Whitmer student to be a part of the incredible traditions and legacies that define Panther Nation,” said Kadee Anstadt, Ed.D., superintendent and CEO of Washington Local Schools. “For years, Mercy Health athletic trainers have taken care of our student athletes on the field. We are grateful to now have their support in the stands.” 
 
"We would like to sincerely thank Mercy Health for their generosity toward our Whitmer students. Breaking the financial barrier of inclusion for all kids builds a community of young people who will become adults who only know tolerance and acceptance," added Sean Flemmings, athletic director of Washington Local Schools. 
 
For more than 165 years, Mercy Health has provided top-rated quality health care and supported extensive wellness initiatives throughout the region. The partnership between Mercy Health and Washington Local Schools furthers the health system’s long-standing commitment to promoting wellness – mind, body and spirit.
 
“Mercy Health believes that health and wellness extend far beyond the walls of our clinical sites. Through partnerships like this with Washington Local Schools, we can better serve our community by addressing concerns in a proactive and meaningful way,” said Bob Baxter, president of Mercy Health – Toledo. “We are honored to do our part to ensure that all Whitmer High School students have the ability to watch their home teams perform. There is no better goal than to give our students a safe environment to support their school. Go Panthers!”