The graduated class of 2013 gave Antioch Community High School one last parting gift during their commencement ceremony last May.

As their class gift, the former seniors decided to leave the school two new Elkay EZH2O water fountains . Together, the fountains cost $2,400 and feature special water bottle filling stations as well as a traditional fountain spout. They are scheduled to be installed in the coming weeks.

The commons and the ILC hallway will house the fountains. Because they offer a quick refilling station, the fountains will reduce the waste created by students repeatedly buying and discarding plastic water bottles. Students benefit because they will not have to constantly buy bottled water.

Each year, the class sponsors brainstorm several options for the senior gift. Last year, sponsors Lindsay Schwisow and Mary Stoeger sent out a survey on Infinite Campus to the entire class of 2013 and asked them to choose the best class gift. The new water fountains were the overwhelming favorite.

“The school had been looking at buying them before, but didn’t know where they would come up with the money,” Schwisow said.

Traditionally, the senior gift is a great way for the school to receive resources that would otherwise not take precedence in the budget. For example, last year the seniors gifted digital hallway clocks to the school.

The money for a class gift comes from special events like Turnabout, Battle of the Bands and the Variety Show. Some of the funds raised also pay for decorations at the ACHS graduation ceremony.