Elementary students receive an early Christmas surprise with a room makeover

BLACKFOOT– Two young Blackfoot students recently got an early holiday surprise when teachers and community members rallied to renovate their bedroom.

It’s all part of an annual service initiative held at Ridge Crest Elementary School. Each year, teachers choose a family or students they think would benefit from some help.

“I think (the boys) kind of had a hint, but I don’t think they had any idea of what to expect when they came home,” teacher Linda Pilster said.

Brothers Hector Ramero, 4th grade, and Luis Alaba, 3rd grade shared a room and also a twin bed. But now, with a complete room makeover they are able to have their own space.

“We had a teacher donate some bunkbeds,” Pilster said.

Pilster said the room was extensively renovated. Before the boys had no closet. Now there’s a framed space where they can put their belongings, Pilster said.

“They had to go in and do brand new sheet rock, and they had to reinforce some walls. They put in new subfloors and carpet,” Pilster said.

Locals donated time and effort to giving the boys a dream room. One teacher even purchased a T.V. so they could watch movies in their new space.

“We had a parent donate comforters. We had a lady who made them hand made quilts to go on their bed. We bought some furniture,” Pilster said.

Builders also took time to renovate the room of the youngest boy who is a year old.

“The baby got new carpet, new floors, new walls, new paint, all of that. I hung up new pictures. We got a few baby books, and stuffed animals. We did get new bedding for the baby,” Pilster said.

The boys and family were more than grateful to be recipients of the schools service.

“Definitely the parents were just overwhelmed and excited that all three of their kids got their new rooms,” Pilster said.

The school could not disclose and exact amount of money and time that went into the upgraded room. School administrators said, however, it took about five days to finish and funds and donations were made by the school and local businesses. During the renovation the boys were not allowed to see what was going on in the room.

Pilster said the first thing the boys wanted to do was their homework.

“It just goes to prove that a home environment it really matters when it comes to a child’s education,” Pilster said.