Washington University Students Volunteer to Help Beautify St. Louis Public Schools
Eighth Annual Service First Project Kicks Off This Weekend at 11 St. Louis Public Schools

(August 31, 2006) – Nearly 1,000 Washington University students will spend this Saturday, September 2, sprucing up 11 St. Louis Public Schools. The event is called “Service First,” a daylong community service event for first-year Washington University students. On Saturday, students will be assigned projects at each school which includes: painting indoor and outdoor murals, painting activities and maps on playgrounds, creating bulletin boards, and preparing classrooms.

“We are extremely grateful for the relationship between St. Louis Public Schools and Washington University, “ said Interim Superintendent Dr. Diana Bourisaw. “ Our principals and staff will welcome each student with open arms.”

“Service First is popular among the students and schools alike for good reason,” said Stephanie Kurtzman, director of Community Service and associate director of the Gephardt Institute for Public Service. “It's such a bright, colorful day and is a great opportunity to build friendships, make a meaningful contribution to our neighboring schools, and begin the commitment to community service.”

Service First is co-sponsored this year by Sherwin-Williams, the Women's Society of Washington University, Student Union, Congress of the South 40 and St. Louis Public Schools.

The following is a list of schools and timelines:

Clay
Humboldt
Oak Hill
Columbia
Roosevelt
Fanning
Farragut
Wallbridge
Hamilton
Washington/Euclid

Volunteers will arrive at schools: Between 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Volunteers depart from schools: Between 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.