Generous offer brightens high school gym

By Lexi MooreNew lights installed over Christmas break in the H-BC High School gym will make activities there much brighter.Last fall the H-BC High School Student Council decided to purchase the lights using money they earned through vending machine sales in the halls of the high school.The new lights were purchased at a cost of $5,500.The group is responsible for stocking the machines and can use the money they earn in a way they feel will benefit the student body at H-BC.Board members said they were pleased with the results and commended the students for making such a sound decision with their money.Ann Boeve said, "I would like to thank the kids for donating their money and spending it wisely – the lights are outstanding."Superintendent David Deragisch reported that the installation had been successful with the exception that some guards had not been received. The guards will be installed when they arrive.Additionally, problems with shadows will be fixed by dropping several fixtures down six inches.The Student Council still has money in its account that will need to be spent before the end of the fiscal year. Deragisch mentioned that the group is considering purchasing new bleachers for the gym.Moerke scholarship establishedSuperintendent David Deragisch announced that Bill Moerke has worked with the school to set up a perpetual scholarship in honor of his wife, Mildred.By setting up a perpetual scholarship, the Moerke family will be able to establish the criteria and define the qualifications for students receiving the endowment.New board officersBefore starting regular business at Monday’s meeting, board members elected officers for the upcoming year.Gary Esselink was nominated for chairman. There were no other nominations.Upon taking over as chairman, Esselink thanked his board, "I am grateful for your willingness to nominate me. It is my goal to serve you well."In other officer elections, Ann Boeve will sit as vice chairman, Lloyd DeBoer will act as clerk and Lois Leuthold will take over the responsibilities of treasurer.Board members voted not to change the meeting dates and times. The H-BC School Board will continue to meet on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7:30 p.m.Elementary newsElementary principal Todd Holtaus had several people to thank at the meeting:
the Beaver Creek Fire Department members for asking the school to be part of a calendar they created for 2006. The group used drawings by H-BC students to illustrate several months in their 2006 calendar.
students at the elementary school for contributing 12 boxes of food for the Rock County Food Shelf.The school decided that students could bring donations instead of gift exchanges during their holiday parties.