Everyone is sorry to see them go, but all wish them well. That's the unanimous sentiment surrounding the departure of Nick Siler and Kristin Labs, two people who have made a big difference in Bell County in the three years that they've been here.

Siler is a native of Bell County, and credits his return to an inspiration he received while hiking in Nepal with Labs. “I felt compelled to come back and help the area,” he recalls.

Since that time the pair have been busy around the clock. Serving as Director of Programs and Director of Development, respectively, of Downtown Pineville, Incorporated, Siler and Labs have been instrumental in developing Pineville's many assets. Some of the area initiatives they have been involved with include the successful revival of the historic Bell Theatre, the eco-tourism initiative of bike trails in and around Pine Mountain State Resort Park, the improvisational youth theater group, and College Bound, a program designed to help area youth attend colleges they might otherwise never have considered.

It's this last program that Siler and Labs take the most pride in.

“We stumbled into working with high school kids through the improv group, and realized that's where we could be effective,” Siler remembers.

While talking with the youth involved in that group, Siler and Labs realized that there were some gaps in the information that high school students were receiving as they neared college age.

Labs adds, “We tried to work with a large group of kids and let them know they have a lot of options.” The pair worked on debunking common college myths and fears, and helped students and their parents decipher the complicated admission and financial procedures and forms.

“I had no idea that kids could get the kind of financial aid they can get,” said Kathy Eldahan, whose three children all benefited from Siler and Labs' advice.

Her daughter Karema was active in the theater group with Siler and one day, Eldahan recalls, “Karema came home and said, ‘Can I go to school in Washington, D.C.?'” Siler, himself a graduate of American University in D.C., had seen a potential connection between Eldahan's daughter and American University that ultimately worked out perfectly; Karema is starting her junior year at the university this fall.

Eldahan's youngest son, Khalid, will be attending Kenyon College in Ohio this fall, and she attributes that decision to his time with Labs and Siler. The pair have led three college road trips to schools across the country, and Siler estimates they have covered more than 15,000 miles and taken between 50 and 60 students.

“I credit Nick and Kristin with all three of my kids being where they are - they're at really good schools, and their opportunities have broadened because of that,” Eldahan concluded.

Probably one of the most visible changes Labs and Siler have made is in their work with the Bell Theatre on the square in Pineville, and their successful obtainment of the Preserve America and Main Street designations. Known for its mix of commercial and off-beat films, the theatre has become a self-sustainable entity and a centerpiece of the community. “We're happy we could bring in the types of films we have,” Labs said.

Despite the departure of Labs and Siler, the theatre will continue to serve as a place for movies and live performances, overseen by a non-profit board of directors. An adjacent coffeehouse is in the works for after-show drinks and desserts.

Although sad to leave the area, Siler and Labs had never planned to settle here for good. They are on their way to the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont, where Siler will study Social Justice and Intercultural Relations, and Labs will study International Education. They are excited about their future, which will include a lot of domestic and international travel, something for which they share a passion.

“It has been such a pleasure having Nick and Kristin in this community. Their enthusiasm for so many facets of their work--from scholarship and college placement assistance to promotion of local services and resources - has been infectious,” said Ron Day, assistant director of Bell County Library and a Pineville native. “Some town in Vermont is going to be very lucky, indeed, to have them join their community.” It's a sentiment many Bell Countians are feeling lately.

Martha Wiley is a Correspondent for the Daily News. She can be reached via e-mail at mwiley@middlesborodailynews.com.