SEARSPORT — The Class of 2021 at Searsport District High School has been forced to get creative with its fundraising efforts amid the pandemic, and the senior Vikings have stepped up to the plate. 

The class is running a fundraiser to put “Fans in the Stands” during the basketball season, despite fans not being able to physically be in attendance for games. 

Members of the community can submit a photo of their face and the senior class will have an 8x10 printed out to hang the photo in the gym so the middle school and high school basketball teams can see a sea of faces rather than an empty gym. 

Cost per photo is $5, and the class will graciously accept additional donation amounts if you think your face is worth more than $5 (they noted they sure think it is worth more than $5!). Feel free to include your affiliation and/or a special message to be shared with your photo. 

Typically, the senior class receives all admissions from home basketball games to be put towards project graduation and the senior class trip.

With no fans allowed this year, that’s yet another big chunk out of the expected funds for the senior class.

Photos can be commented on the event’s Facebook page or emailed to Jen Alley, SDHS Class of 2021 Fundraising Coordinator, at jlalley73@gmail.com. 

Payments can be mailed or dropped off at the high school with a notation the funds are for the SDHS Class of 2021 Fans in Stands campaign. 

“This is a win-win for our student athletes and our seniors,” read a Facebook post about the campaign. “Let’s let them know we are here for them!” 

The middle school basketball teams have three upcoming home games (Jan. 28, Feb. 2 and Feb. 9) that campaign organizers hope will have packed stands. 

The varsity girls basketball team has six upcoming home games (Feb. 1, Feb. 8, Feb. 18, Feb. 19, Feb. 23 and Feb. 25) that campaign organizers hope will have packed stands. 

The varsity boys basketball team has four upcoming home games (Jan. 29, Feb. 8, Feb. 13 and Feb. 25) that campaign organizers hope will have packed stands.