Susan McDaniel Havre Daily News smcdaniel@havredailynews.com
The Dr. Jim Elliot Award for 2006 was presented to David and Pamela Wilson during a half time ceremony Friday night. The Havre High School Booster Club created the memorial award to be given in honor of the numerous services Dr. James Elliott provided for the community. Dr. Elliott, who was known for his long office hours, often gave out free physicals to students who wanted to play sports, but were unable to do so financially. Nominated by Wells Lamey, this is the first year that the award has been received by a couple. This is because, as stated in the nomination letter “each time one of them volunteers for something ... they both show up and always do a great job.” The honor of receiving this award is based on volunteerism along with personal and/or professional sacrifices made for the betterment of Blue Pony activities. The award is given to people who show dedication to Blue Pony sports over a long period of time, not just while their own children are in school and who also contribute to the Havre community. The award is displayed in the trophy case at the high school and recipients also receive a smaller plaque. Dave and Pam Wilson epitomize what the Dr. Jim Elliott Award stands for. Their volunteer efforts cover every sport that Havre offers to its youth from the junior high to the college level. They donate their time to swimming, track, cross-country, softball, basketball and football. They also donate untold hours to community service organizations and projects.
Presenting the award Friday night were Mark Elliott and Booster Club executive members President Brett Hickman, Sharon Weigel- Hedstrom, Vice-President, Tana Hedges, Secretary and Kim Evans, Treasurer. Pam Wilson is from Havre and graduated from Northern Montana College. Retiring after 25 years with Havre Public Schools twenty years at the elementary schools and the last five at Havre High School she now teaches health enhancement and outdoor recreation classes part time at MSU-Northern. Dave Wilson is from Battle Creek, Mich. And graduated from Valparaso University in Indiana. He was inducted into the Valparaso University Swimming Hall of Fame 2 years ago. When he first came to Havre he worked as the city Pool Manager and as a coach for both the Havre Lions and the Havre High School swim teams. He became the manager of the Havre Park and Recreation Department, working there for 10 years. Wilson retired from the City three years ago. He still is an active member of the Hill County Park Board. The couple’s commitment to sports began with their own children’s involvement. They each had two children who participated in Havre school sports programs and started volunteering as parents. “We just continued on after the kids were done,” Pam Wilson said. “When our kids were involved other people volunteered to make it possible for us to watch them, now we can make it possible for others to watch their children.” Their commitment to Havre extends beyond school sports. In addition to church activities, they are Red Cross volunteers, help with the Nothing But Net 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, and Dave volunteers many hours to projects in Beaver Creek Park. The Wilsons work together as a couple in their volunteer activities. Said Pam”If one does the other does, all is done together.” The Wilsons also do wall climbing at the MSU-Northern gymnasium and teach workshops on climbing each Thursday evening of the month, except the third, from 6 to 8 p.m. “Working with the young people keeps us young,” Pam said. The Booster Club also dedicated the concrete slab on the east side of the concession stand in loving memory of Jim Galbavy. Jim was a dedicated Blue Pony fan and drove the Blue Pony bus for 25 years. According to Dennis Murphy, some of things that the Wilsons have done for the Blue Pony teams are taking charge of the hurdle crew, organizing it, finding volunteers to run it and “they are always happy to do it.” The Wilsons keep the school book as well as the operation the P.A. for the girls softball team. “In the P.E. Department, Pam has taught dance classes and has always done a wonderful job.” said Murphy. “In the years I have been here Dave has started our cross country meets as well as divisional meets. They are just always there, they are always willing to help and because of their expertise it always makes events run smoother. It is so important to an event to have that experience.”
