The Robert Roberts Memorial Golf tournament was held May 14 in Cherokee Village. The tournament was named in honor of Roberts, who was along time supporter of Rebel athletics and a pioneer in innovative fundraising for athletes within the district’s many sports. While the Highland Rebel Booster Club Golf Tournament is held annually, this year, the club honored Roberts who passed away March 6, 2022.He left behind a gaping hole in the community and deep rooted love for Highland athletics. Robert worked in the banking industry for FNBC in Ash Flat and Hardy and with James Bragg at My Home-Town Radio Stations(KSAR 92.3, The River98.3, KOOL 104.7) announcing Lady Rebel basketball games for several years. Robert also announced Rebel softball and baseball games and was an extremely active fundraising member as Sales Manager of the Highland Rebel Booster Club. Robert was also a Vietnam veteran and before serving the area in the capacity of a sports announcer and salesperson, he served his country as a U.S. Marine and in the U.S. Air Force and Army Reserve. He was honored before his death with military honors at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. While saddened by his passing, the group he held dear during his life wasted no time in honoring his memory in the only way they knew, naming their annual tournament after him.“ Robert Roberts was definitely the backbone of fundraising for the Highland Rebel Booster Club. He sold the business sign sponsorships in the AL Hutson, football field and the baseball/softball field in Ash Flat. He came up with a new tracking system for the signs to slide in and out of for easier installation and also installed the signs himself. It takes five to six people to do the work Roberts use to do. I would estimate he raised a half million dollars for the booster club over the last 10years and that money goes back to our student athlete’s. We decided to dedicate the golf tournament last weekend in his honor. It was a huge success with 29 teams,” Highland Rebel Booster Club Vice President Seani Gibson explained .Robert’s wife, Pat, was in attendance and was honored her late husband’s memory was being kept alive by the fundraiser. Nearly $30,000 has been given to student athletes through the booster club since June of last year until May of 2023.The mission of the Highland Rebel Booster Club is to assist infilling the void in athletic costs when the team fundraising efforts falls short. The Highland Booster Club is free to join. The volunteer based group meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the AL Hutson hospitality room. Officers include: Stephanie Harris, President; Seani Gibson, Vice President; Rachel Jones; Secretary and Michael Burris, Treasurer. Theron Isaacs and Blake Medlock are also on the board.
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