Written by Ashley Hackett, corps member on the Boston Civic Engagement Team

As I reflect on the service performed at the John Winthrop Elementary School,  a smile stretches across my face. If asked to sum up the day in a few words, the ones that instantly come to mind include dedicated volunteers, transformational service, and a supportive community.

On Saturday, April 16, the Foundations Boston Civic Engagement Team hosted a powerful day of service for the school as well as its surrounding community. Volunteers came from all walks of life, from National Grid, Westfield Capital, Day Pitney, IBM and the Legal Marketing Association as well as students from Showa, the Burke and Young Achievers Schools and members of the City and Young Heroes Advisory Boards.  Projects included painting motivational quotes throughout the second floor hallway, painting playground graphics in the courtyard, painting a mural for the school’s new outdoor theater, building an outdoor picnic area, revamping an existing mural, painting exhilarating panel murals for the library and gym, painting an inspiring 300 foot long mural, and building a peace garden inspired by the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Even though the weather wasn’t favorable, the enthusiasm from the volunteers, the City Year corps members, and the community helped the day push on. A special thanks to Principal Walter Henderson and Sophia Bishop-Rice for all of their help and for delivering a moving opening speech.

Please check out some more photos on our Facebook page from Tom Story!