The Riverside Community School District recently received a generous donation from Lisa and Monty Rollins to purchase new score tables for the district’s activities programs, honoring generations of family members with deep ties to Riverside schools and communities.
The donation was made in memory of Monty’s parents, Earl “Bunk” and Frances Rollins, and Lisa’s parents, Richard “Dick” Kates and Jo Kates. All four had strong connections to local schools, athletics, and community service.
Combined, the two families include eight children who graduated from Oakland High School, 16 grandchildren who graduated from Riverside, and six great-grandchildren who are Riverside graduates.
“We were trying to think of something that would serve as a memorial to our parents,” Lisa Rollins said. “They were proud of their grandkids and loved the athletic programs, so this seemed like a good fit.”
Athletics have long been a major part of the family’s history. Bunk Rollins participated in football, basketball, and baseball at Oakland High School, while Frances Rollins played on a state tournament basketball team. Dick Kates also competed in football, basketball, and baseball at Carson High School.
Beyond athletics, the families have contributed to the district and communities in many ways over the years. Dick Kates served on both the Oakland and Riverside school boards, Frances Rollins worked for more than 30 years in the Oakland school district, Monty Rollins coached youth sports teams, and Lisa Rollins served on the Riverside Booster Club during its early years.
“We think Riverside is special because it is home, it is family, and we wouldn’t have wanted to raise our family anywhere else,” Rollins said.
The Rollins family said Riverside activities have created strong memories and friendships across generations, from volleyball tournaments and football games to more recent involvement in cross country.
They also credited previous generations for teaching the importance of volunteerism and community involvement through schools, churches, youth programs, and local organizations.
“We are incredibly grateful to Lisa and Monty for their generosity and continued support of Riverside,” said Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Anderson. “This gift honors a family legacy that has impacted Riverside and our communities for generations.”
The Rollins family hopes current students remember the importance of staying connected to their communities and finding ways to give back in the future.