Coach Gabriel Rapier Launches Fundraiser for Innovative Student Support Role at Garfield High School
Garfield High School’s (GHS) Gabriel “Coach G” Rapier is spearheading the GHS Booster Year Round Coaching Fundraiser to establish a pioneering Gym Attendant Position to benefit the entire GHS student body, year-round.
As a proud GHS alum from the Class of 1995, a current parent of a freshman, and a former JVC Soccer Coach, Coach G is all about bringing a stable, year-round coaching and mentoring presence to GHS supporting the athletic, social-emotional, and academic growth, safety, and success of every GHS student.
"I want to reconstruct that. I want to revisit that. I want that back at Garfield,” he said. To kick off the program, he is volunteering to step into the role. “I would be honored to serve as your year‑round Gym Attendant for years to come.”
At the core of this initiative is the five-hour weekly program Connect, Compete, Create (CCC). During this program, students will converge on the main gymnasium every Saturday throughout the school year and into the summer, providing a safe and consistent space for training, connection, and growth. The primary goal is to cultivate long-term relationships that build trust and strengthen the sense of community.
Beyond physical movement, CCC balances competition and creativity with PlayStation and Xbox game stations. Coach G, who also served as a librarian for fifteen years, plans to nurture mental and academic growth by introducing a Teen Book Club where students can discuss books that inspire leadership and self-discovery.
This holistic model, which also includes a Food Support and Nutrition Program providing healthy snacks, directly supports mental, social, and emotional well-being by fostering belonging and relieving stress.
“I want to be able to generate funds for this type of coach,” Coach G said. “When I'm gone, this can continue on.”
To make this role sustainable, the GHS Booster is inviting the entire GHS/Central area community to partner in funding this commitment. The compensation would mirror a GHS/WIAA Head coach stipend—$2,000 per month for a year-round commitment of 30+ monthly hours, which also pays for onsite security.
Your support will help set a school-wide precedent and ensure the Connect, Compete, Create program can expand its time slots to accommodate more student-athletes as participation grows.
Support this initiative here.
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