November 20th, 2019

Manti High School Gym Seat Sponsor:

In 1999, the Wilbur T. Braithwaite Gym was constructed as an add-on to Manti High School. At that time, donations were solicited to help with the installation of the stadium seats on the Southside of the gym. For the price of one hundred dollars, individual patrons names were engraved on specific seats. In the original agreement (attached to this document), it was promised that with the consistent purchase of season tickets, patrons would be able to sit in their reserved seat, marked by their engraved name. By all accounts, this agreement, with the regular purchase of season tickets by the original patrons, was open ended and able to be renewed each year. To the best of our knowledge, not one original patron has bought season tickets for each of the last twenty years.

As the years have passed, some patrons have moved to different areas, some have passed away, and some do not come to MHS games anymore. In addition to this, some individuals have claimed that because a family member’s name is engraved on a seat, they have an inherent right to sit there. A one-time donation, followed by a lifetime reservation for either the original patron or a family member was never the intention of the “Chair Seat Program.”  Due to all these factors it has become essential to once again address the situation with the seats in the Wilbur T. Braithwaite Gym. 

We are grateful to those whose selfless contributions initially allowed the construction and installation of the seats in the Wilbur T. Braithwaite gym. With their memory and contributions in mind, Manti High School is taking steps to stay true to the original intention of the “Chair Seat Program.” Since no original patron has renewed season tickets every year since 1999, from this point forward, Manti High School does not recognize any inherent or assumed reservation based on names engraved on the chairs. Over the coming months, nameplates on every individual seat will be changed in a manner to reflect that a specific patron donated that individual chair in 1999. True to the promises made in the 1999 letter, donors will continue to have their names engraved on the plate of the chair. While this may sound abrupt, after both a careful review of the 1999 letter and consulting previous MHS administrators, we do feel that this is within the spirit of the original agreement.

Manti High School graciously thanks you for your original support via the 1999 “Chair Seat Program” as well as the support you have provided since that time. We ask that you continue to be involved in our school. Your legacy is a valuable part of our tradition and culture. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the main office as we would be happy to discuss this issue with you. 

Thank you!

Karen Soper, Principal

Josh Palmer, Assistant Principal