ELLSWORTH -- "Many hands make light work."
That is the adage that Clayton Schilling has seen come true while working to update the gym at Ellsworth High School.
"Through volunteerism you see this motto come true," he said. "You can have fun doing something that is actually work."
Schilling and a number of Ellsworth residents formed a committee made up of volunteers to work on the project.
"We, as parents, wanted to see this done, so we raised the money ourselves," Schilling said. "The school district has enough obligations. This is above and beyond, and not something that has to be done.""Through volunteerism you see this motto come true," he said. "You can have fun doing something that is actually work."
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Schilling and a number of Ellsworth residents formed a committee made up of volunteers to work on the project.
Schilling and his three sons have helped with the project, which has lasted for eight nights. Schilling's oldest son, Curt, a basketball standout who graduated from Ellsworth in 2004, even came back to help with the project.
"What's probably been the most impressive is that we've had a lot of alumni who don't even live in the community now who are helping," Schilling said. "Right now, the town has a lot of pride in their athletic programs."
About 20 people have helped each night of the project. Work was scheduled during evening hours so volunteers could help after their jobs. A meal has been provided each night for the workers.
Ellsworth residents Dawn Huisman and her husband, Greg, an Ellsworth alumnus, were happy to get involved in the gym project.
"We just stepped up and volunteered," Dawn said. "That's what you are supposed to do in a small town."
The Huismans, who coach sixth-grade basketball and have two children in the school system, wanted to improve the gym for those reasons, but also for the benefit of the entire community.
"We wanted to make the school and the gym a better place," Dawn said. "It's just so bright now."
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When new mats were purchased to go behind the basketball hoops, the parent group decided it was time to repaint the gym.
"We wanted everything to match," Huisman said. "It just needed a facelift. It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do."
This year, Ellsworth will be in the Red Rock Conference. For the first time in its history, the gym will display conference banners. They were also purchased by private donations.
In a small community like Ellsworth, the gym houses many events outside of athletics including graduations, band concerts, plays and community events.
"We would love to thank everybody who donated to the project and everybody who donated their labor," Schilling said.
"We, as parents, wanted to see this done, so we raised the money ourselves," Schilling said. "The school district has enough obligations. This is above and beyond, and not something that has to be done."
