Betty (Boop) Hillestad started school at Grand Forks Central High School in 1974, and since then, she’s never left. Boop graduated in 1976 and returned to her alma mater in 1977 to work the basketball table and she’s been here ever since. Boop has also been the official book keeper for volleyball since it started at GFC in 1984. During her 44 plus years on the book, Boop has worked countless games at GFC plus EDC regional and state tournaments. Boop continues to work volleyball and basketball games today. She stated that she has always appreciated the people at GFC. This included athletes, coaches, activities directors, school administrators, and especially the co-workers at the scorer’s table. Boop enjoys the front row seat to each and every game she has worked.
Tony Bina, former activities director at GFC said this about Boop: “Boop was always someone I could count on game in and game out to be there to work the volleyball matches and basketball games. She always took pride in her work and has become a definite figure at the scorer's table. I enjoyed getting to know Boop the 5 years I worked with her and respect her commitment towards Central Athletics! Thank you Boop!” Current activities director Aaron La Deaux says this: “Boop has been one of the most reliable workers for volleyball and basketball every year. I often joke with her, saying when she is done doing the book and scoreboard, I might as well be done also because I'm not going to be able to find someone to fill her role. She is likely the only person that can compete with me in how many GFC sporting events she attends each year by being at all these games C team through Varsity.”
During her time in high school, she competed in track and played basketball. She has been around sports most of her life and says she enjoyed playing sports and being a part of a team. While some will recognize Boop from working basketball and volleyball games at GFC, others will recognize her from Choice Health & Fitness, where she has been working for 42 plus years.