By Kim Staudinger
Dr. James Elliott, who has left a lasting impression on the hearts of many families along the Hi-Line, will now have another honor bestowed upon his memory.
The Havre High School Booster Club has created a memorial award to be given in honor of the numerous services Elliott provided for the community. According to Greg Baltrusch, a member of the Booster Club's executive board, the memorial is designed to be given to "a person, who like Dr. Jim, sacrificed their personal and/or professional time for the betterment of Havre High Blue Pony activities."
Elliott, who is 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. He felt this would help take away one obstacle potential athletes may face.
The idea for the award came last September when Baltrusch and Booster Club President Dave Daniel were talking on the phone one night after Elliott died.
"As long as I can remember, he was at the sidelines," Baltrusch said.
Booster Club dedicated the first Blue Pony football game of last season to Elliott. At that game a letter was read that perfectly summarized Elliott's devotion to Havre.
"Simple words do not justify what Dr. Elliott and his wife Kay meant, not only to Blue Pony sports, but to our community."
To nominate someone for this award, a person can write a short letter to the Booster Club stating why the nominee should receive the award. The Booster Club encourages people to nominate individuals who are involved in many events in the community, not just athletics. Nominees should also show dedication over a long period of time, not just while their kids were in school.
"We want this to be a hall of fame type thing for people who have gone above and beyond," Daniel said.
Thus, the award will not be given out every year. Booster Club says some years two people may be selected, but some years it may not choose any, as members want the award to be for "the elite."
The award will be given out at this year's homecoming football game, and the Booster Club hopes to have a member of Elliott's family at the game to give out the award.
The award will be put in the trophy case at the high school. Each recipient will also receive a smaller plaque.
The Booster Club requests all letters be submitted by Sept. 10, and the Booster Club board of directors will vote in it
Letters can be mailed to the Booster Club in care of Mary Lou Klobofski at 624 14 St. in Havre.
