DANVILLE – Residents of this eastern Knox County village and the surrounding area know that their community’s heart – not its size or cumulative wealth – is the key to an enjoyable, enduring quality of life.

Superintendent Jason Snively said he sees that quality of life every day throughout Danville Local Schools.

Recently, Snively, a graduate of Danville High School, invited several residents to join him in reflecting on what community support has meant to students over the years. And, he asked, how do we encourage the younger generation to continue that legacy to support the schools?  

While support for academic initiatives has been equally strong, the addition and renovation of athletic facilities in recent decades has in large part shaped the face of the community.

“Athletic facilities and other school activities bring families and the community together,” Snively said. “I always tell the kids, ‘When you participate in extracurricular activities, you’re so powerful in bringing positive attention and uniting this community.’”

The group who met around the table with Snively agreed that community support has been strong over the decades and remains so today.

Betty Durbin cited July 1, 1980, when her husband, Michael, and eight other men signed a promissory note for an $8,000 bank loan to construct what would become DARCI softball field.

“There was a need for more than the one diamond used by several groups. So the nine got the bank loan to build it,” she said. “Others donated time and equipment.”

In addition to Michael Durbin, the signers included Richard Laughrey, Thomas Looney, James Reiheld, Ronald Hawk, Alva Hoover, Paul Mickley, Robert Samples and Joseph Ridgway.

Retired teacher Bob Blubaugh recalled the positive impact the Danville Lions Club had during its tenure.

“My father, Louis, was a member of the Danville Lions Club, which was chartered in 1939, the same year the high school was built,” he said. “The Lions Club was a strong supporter of school facilities. One of their missions was gaining citizens’ support for the construction of the elementary school in 1958. Unfortunately, like so many other community service groups, the club has very little membership today.”

Doug Hawk of Danville Feed & Supply quoted his mother’s words about the importance of schools.

“My mother always said the school (district) is our identity as a community; without the school, you have nothing. That is still true today,” he said.

It was true in the mid-1980s, Hawk recalled, when Danville area residents came together to build the athletic fieldhouse referred to as the “Devil Dome.”

“There had always been talk about needing a building like that, but the question was how to pay for it,” he said. “Someone asked: What if local farmers donated (the proceeds from) a load of grain? That was the year that grain prices really took off.” 

So did the idea.

“Eighteen loads of corn were donated, some large, some smaller,” Hawk said. “That covered about half the cost of the building. The Athletic Boosters paid the rest with a loan.”

Many community residents contributed their labor. 

Body shop owner Rich Loney talked about the efforts of many that included re-tiling the entire football field and track and welding goal posts in his shop. Later, the community foundation would provide funds for the track.

“Like so many others, I don’t want individual recognition,” Loney said. “I just want the best for all of our kids and grandkids.”

Scott Mickley is a longtime supporter of many athletic projects and currently films all of the varsity games.

“Remember when the lights had to be turned one way for football and the other way for baseball?” Mickley asked with a smile. “Kokosing Construction played a huge role in installing the 100-foot poles for football (in 2000).”

What about community support in 2022?

Athletic Director B. J. Miller said strong involvement is alive and well today.

“I always knew that a lot of people were involved in securing the facilities we have today, but until I took over as AD I had no idea how many,” Miller said. 

“That spirit of community support is still strong. So much goes on behind the scenes. Often, I don’t have to ask. I’ve had the same ticket-takers for years. Others work in the concession stands. Many come with ideas and offers to help.” 

What about the younger generation? Snively asked. Would they be as supportive and what do we do to make sure the tradition continues?

“Yes, I think they would,” said Lanna Staats, girls JV basketball coach and athletic booster member.

Loney amplified her statement.

“If I called younger people today and said ‘We need you,’ they would be here. The challenge might be getting someone to take charge.”

In staying with the tradition, the athletic boosters are looking to add additional resources at the DARCI softball field that include a two-story, 27 x 18-foot structure that would include restrooms, concessions and press box. The estimated cost is $180,000. Even at that cost, many are confident that the community and local contractors will make it happen. 

Snively said the contributions and work of so many over the years have established tradition that emphasizes the importance of continued stewardship for the benefit of students and the entire community.

“Time is more important than money,” he said. “Tradition comes from the people, not the facilities.”

Danville Local Schools is a client district of the Knox Educational Service Center.