By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
Up until this basketball season, Davis Thomas Elementary Middle School gym only had one scoreboard. This made it difficult for spectators on the opposite side of the gym to see as well as an inconvenience for the home team having the clock to their back during the second half of the game. Dustin Luzier, coach of the DTEMS Boys Basketball Team knew Miners and Merchants Bank donated the current clock, so he approached them to ask if they’d be interested in sponsoring another.
Just in time for the beginning of the season, the new clock was placed on the wall thanks to a generous donation from the bank in the amount of $2,653.60. At Friday night’s game, Principal Steelie Kisamore took to the floor to recognize the bank and thank them for their support. Representing the bank was Shawn Nichols, Vice President, along with Cathy Hebb and Chris Gross of the Tucker County Board of Education.
“I’m just glad we could help,” proclaimed Nichols. “We always want to try to support the community,” he added. “We try to help out the sports and youth as well as the Tucker County School System.” Kisamore said they had considered purchasing another used scoreboard; however their existing system being older made it impossible to find another that would sync together. In addition to the new scoreboard, DTEMS had to purchase a new control system that would simultaneously operate both clocks, but it was a small price to pay to add to their school.
“This (the new clock) really finished off the gym,” said Luzier. Within the last three years, the school gymnasium has received a new floor and bleachers thanks to efforts of the school PTO and now the addition of the second scoreboard.
Kisamore recognized the immense support for the school that stems from the community and parents. “We are fortunate to have good coaches and community members who always go the extra mile to provide for the students at Davis Thomas,” he complimented. The school takes pride in the amenities they have and pay special attention to the upkeep and care of them to ensure longevity and continued benefit to the students.