The Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation presented a $320,000 grant to the Viking Sports Foundation on April 21, 2026, during a ceremony at Whitney Field at Schreiber High School.
The Viking Sports Foundation is a volunteer-led nonprofit that supports athletic programs for more than 1,600 students in the Port Washington School District. This grant marks a significant increase in support from the Dejana Foundation, which has contributed $150,000 to the organization over the last decade. The funding is part of the Dejana Foundation’s $26 million philanthropic commitment to regional organizations in 2026.
A primary portion of the grant will fund the installation of a new scoreboard at Whitney Field. The new digital video board will be the first of its kind on the North Shore and the largest of its size for Long Island high schools. Remaining funds will support scholarships for student-athletes pursuing higher education.
“We would sincerely like to thank the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation for their donation to help fund our new state of the art digital scoreboard on Whitney Field. This gift is more than an upgrade to our field—it’s an investment in our student-athletes and our entire community. We’re truly so grateful for their extremely generous support in Port Washington, especially their focus on our kids,” said Jacki Longaro, Co-President of VSF.
Educational and Community Impact
The new scoreboard will be integrated into the district’s "Sports Broadcasting" and "Advanced Video Podcasting" curricula. Students will use the technology to produce videos, community features, and live content for football, soccer, flag football, and lacrosse games.
"The scoreboard will instantly become part of the Sports Broadcasting curriculum," said Nick Schratwieser, Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics. "It adds a live component to our pregame and postgame shows that is rare at the high school level. Students will learn to manage live highlights and conduct interviews in front of large crowds, giving them a professional experience that few broadcasters receive until college."
The Viking Sports Foundation noted that the upgrade serves as a direct investment in student-athletes and the broader Port Washington community.
About the Viking Sports Foundation (VSF)
The Viking Sports Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as the central booster organization for Port Washington athletics. VSF partners with district administration and local families to fund equipment, facility upgrades, and educational programs that exceed the standard school budget. For more information, visit www.pwvsf.org.
About the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation
Based in Port Washington, the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation is committed to strengthening communities through targeted philanthropic efforts. The Foundation supports programs that uplift students and families while providing long-term benefits to the regional community.
