Valmeyer organizations donate toward new gym equipment

From left, Angie Hoffmann of the Valmeyer Jaycees, Music Boosters president Scott Roever, Sharon May of the Valmeyer Jaycees, individual donor George Obernagel, Lions Club president Karla Bivins, Lions Club member Bob Mohr, BOSS member Darcy Fausz, Lions Club member Leroy Garleb and BOSS member Lisa Shevlin are honored for the contributions made by their respective organizations toward the purchase of a new scorer’s table and padding in the Valmeyer gym. (Kermit Constantine photo)

by Ethan May

The village of Valmeyer may not be the largest in the county, but the community makes every effort to support its school. Several civic organizations and generous private contributors work hard to fulfill the school’s needs.

A great example of this generosity was on display Friday night when the high school dedicated a new scorer’s table and protective padding in the Harold R. Baum Gymnasium.

Prior to the start of the boys basketball game against Steeleville, Valmeyer High School Athletic Director Nathan McSchooler gave a heartfelt thanks to those who contributed to the new equipment.

“What’s great about a small town is that anytime the school or community needs something these organizations are always there to help,” McSchooler said.

The gym was in need of new equipment after the old pads, especially those around the stage, had become ripped and torn from years of use. The old pads were also the wrong shade of purple. The new scorer’s table was brought in so the current table, purchased in 2001, could be rolled down to the junior high gym to replace an older model.

Along with private donor George Obernagel, representatives from the Valmeyer Area Jaycees, Valmeyer Lions Club, Valmeyer Boosters of School Sports and Valmeyer Music Boosters were all honored at half court.

The donors were quick to step up after being contacted by McSchooler. It was important for the school to order the new pieces quickly; last fall, the gym served as one of the state’s four volleyball super-sectional sites as well as host to more than 700 educators during the Bi-County Teachers Institute.

Together, the supporters contributed more than $5,000 for the replacements. McSchooler was very thankful for the community’s support and urged more people to join these organizations to keep them running for many years to come.

Only a few years ago, many of these same donors contributed toward the purchase of new scoreboards for the baseball and softball diamonds behind the school. Like on the scoreboards outside, the names of the organizations and donors are proudly displayed on the new scorer’s table for all fans to see.

“I would like the public to know that these organizations do many great things for the school and community that go unnoticed,” McSchooler told the Republic-Times.

Other items previously provided to the school from some of these supporters include emergency defibrillators, uniforms and gym scoreboards.

The evening ended on a positive note, as Pirate fans cheered their boys on to a 53-50 victory over Steeleville in an intense match-up.

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