As another illustration of its commitment to involvement in community affairs, The Discovery House’s management team has announced it will support Taft Charter High School in Woodland Hills by sponsoring a banner for the school’s baseball team. Taft, which is chartered by the Los Angeles School District, boasts the highest number of open enrollment students in the entire state of California. It has an impressive sports history, particularly graduates who have made names for themselves on national and international baseball teams. Former Major League shortstop and centerfielder Robin Yount, who was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999, is a Taft graduate.
His brother, Larry Yount, also a Taft graduate, is known in baseball trivia circles as the player with the shortest career in Major League history because he was injured during warm-ups and never participated in a play. Other Taft baseball notables include Pete LaCock, a Major League first baseman and outfielder; Gabe Kapler, current director of player development for the Los Angeles Dodgers; and Rick Auerbach, a former Major League shortstop.
In other sports achievements, Taft alumni include three Olympic medal winners; and the school’s football, basketball and volleyball teams have won city championships. The Discovery House is proud to support a school that encourages participation in sports because they require teamwork and communication. These are skills that will be important as high school students grow into adulthood and develop the tools necessary for success in higher education and in the workplace.
Community Involvement Discourages Use of Drugs And Alcohol
By modeling involvement in the community, The Discovery House emphasizes the viewpoint of CEO Tom Whiting, who believes that taking part in structured activities provides people with a sense of belonging, the making them less likely to turn to alcohol and drugs as a way to cope with life on life’s terms.
“We like to support activities that encourage young people to do their best and to work together,” Whiting said. “By supporting Taft’s baseball team with this banner sponsorship, we are sending a message of thanks to the school for helping students become good citizens in the future.”