JACKSON TWP — For the four decades before his death last month, Bill Paul could be found in the same corner seat for nearly every Seneca Valley varsity basketball game. Now Paul's name will be associated with Raiders sports forever.

School board members voted unanimously to name the Seneca Valley Senior High School gymnasium the "William F. Paul Gymnasium" during Monday's meeting in honor of the "exceptional service, contribution and devotion of former school director William F. Paul to the Seneca Valley School District."

Paul's widow, Alice Lee, and the couple's two sons, Craig and David, accepted the honor on behalf of the Paul family. A formal ceremony naming the gym will take place in January.

Former school board president Dean Berkebile said in a halting voice he told Alice Lee the designation should have taken place two years ago when Paul retired from the board.

"But I was quickly reminded that Bill would have had none of this," Berkebile said as his peers chuckled.

Current board president Robert Hill called a recess in the meeting so board members and administrators could line up and offer their individual condolences to the Paul family, who were overwhelmed at the gesture.

After the meeting was reconvened, Alice Lee Paul then addressed the board as superintendent Donald Tylinski stood at her side in support.

"Those of you who know me know I am never, ever without words," said Alice Lee Paul. "But tonight, I am almost speechless."

Paul agreed with Berkebile that her late husband would dismiss the accolade.

"I can just hear Bill rumbling and grumbling 'I don't know what you're doing that for,'" said Paul, who is a retired Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School teacher.

Paul said since her husband's death, scores of those associated with Raiders basketball over the years have stopped to say they always will think of Bill Paul in the gym's corner seat on game night.

Hill thanked Craig and David Paul for attending the meeting and expressed the thoughts of all his peers.

"We are all better people for having the opportunity to sit alongside your father."