The Fayette Citizen-News Page

Wednesday, August 13, 2003

Blackrock Foundation helps get new schools ready

The first day of school went smoothly throughout Fayette, especially at two of the county's newest facilities thanks to the efforts of many volunteers.

Both this year and last, the county has opened two new schools: Cleveland and Sara Harp Minter Elementary in 2002 and Crabapple Elementary and Whitewater High this year. Getting a new school ready in time for opening day is always a rushed event but thanks to the help of the Blackrock Foundation and many community volunteers, the schools were in tip-top shape to receive their new students and parents.

The purpose of the Blackrock Foundation is to find needs in the community and attempt to meet those needs with volunteers from churches and civic organizations, usually using resources from businesses that want to invest in their community.

After organizing three workdays at Crabapple to help teachers and staff with final preparations, the Blackrock Foundation gathered volunteers for a workday last Saturday to help Whitewater High, located this year at the LaFayette Educational Center, with some last minute painting.

"Greg Stillions [principal] contacted me this summer with several things he thought Blackrock could help out with, one being some extra painting," said Michael Cooley of the Blackrock Foundation.

The project was painting some panels that were installed to replace windows when the building was remodeled in 1979. Stillions wanted the panels repainted as a matter of school spirit since the current color was "Tiger" gold.

"He didn't want his school, already in the shadow of Fayette County High, to have classrooms with their colors on them so we gathered up some volunteers to help repaint the panels," said Cooley.

A total of 15 volunteers from New Hope Church donated their time to help with the painting while the Blackrock Foundation provided the paint and materials. Although the volunteers did not finish the project, another workday is being scheduled to complete the job.

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