Thanks to the generosity of the Hills-Beaver Creek Student Council, I received what I consider to be my first out-of-body experience on Jan. 6.I was in Hills to take in the H-BC-Ellsworth boys’ basketball game.I’ve been in the H-BC gym more times than I can count over the past 20 years, but this time was different.When I stepped into the gym that night, without realizing what went on in the gym during the Christmas break, I couldn’t believe my eyes.Hugo Goehle Gym is now the proud home of a new lighting system, and the credit for the makeover goes to the 20-some H-BC Student Council members in grades 7-12 who picked up the bill for the project."They were able to fix a problem we’ve had for a long time," said H-BC superintendent Dave Deragisch."We actually had estimates for a new (lighting) system as a part of our locker room construction project a couple of years ago, but we didn’t have enough money to fund it at that time.""Since all the estimating was done, all the kids had to do was order the lights and contact an electrician to put them in," Deragisch added.Although my residence is nowhere near H-BC’s district lines, I’m confident that I can speak for many of the district’s residents in saying I’m really proud of H-BC Student Council.They easily could have used the approximately $5,500 they generated from the vending machines inside the school for selfish causes. Instead, they decided to use their money to improve a school they are obviously proud of by staging one of the most selfless acts I’ve ever heard of."They are fantastic, great kids. They are very unselfish," Deragisch offered.According to the superindentent, the new lighting system might just be the start of another makeover in the gym."Now the kids have getting new bleachers on their minds," Deragisch said.If that’s the case, I want one of the Student Council members to approach me the next time I’m in Hills to take in an H-BC sporting event.Since I rarely get out of the gym, I’ll ask that individual to guide me to the nearest vending machine they raise funds from, and I’ll purchase something every time I’m there from now on.That’s the least I can do for the H-BC Student Council, who turned one of the darkest gyms I’m asked to shoot photographs in into one of the best-lit gyms I visit on a regular basis.Be proud of yourselves, H-BC students.Your selflessness and generosity will be appreciated for many years to come, and I’m sure I won’t be the only person telling you that.
