Art and inspiration: Volunteers transform DC high school for MLK Day of Service


WASHINGTON — Despite the freezing-cold temperatures, volunteers showed up to share their time and talent at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School for the City Year MLK Day of Service.

“We’re just so honored to come together here at Ron Brown and at three other sites to transform the buildings and work with the community,” said City Year’s Executive Director Michelle Tafel.

Nicole Butts came out with a group of 15 volunteers from United Way. “It was a little overwhelming at first, but it was also so inspiring to see so many people who want to give back and who are here for the kids,” she said.

The series of murals throughout the hallways will feature quotes of encouragement and abstract art to uplift and inspire.

Volunteers paint a wall as part of the City Year MLK Day of Service at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)
Volunteers paint a wall as part of the City Year MLK Day of Service at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)
Volunteers paint a wall as part of the City Year MLK Day of Service at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)
Volunteers paint a wall as part of the City Year MLK Day of Service at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)
Volunteers arrive to paint walls as part of the City Year MLK Day of Service at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)
Volunteers arrive to paint walls as part of the City Year MLK Day of Service at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)
Volunteers arrive to paint walls as part of the City Year MLK Day of Service at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)
Volunteers arrive to paint walls as part of the City Year MLK Day of Service at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)
Volunteers paint a wall as part of the City Year MLK Day of Service at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)
Volunteers paint a wall as part of the City Year MLK Day of Service at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)
(WTOP/Melissa Howell)
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Volunteers paint a wall as part of the City Year MLK Day of Service at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)
Volunteers paint a wall as part of the City Year MLK Day of Service at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)
Volunteers arrive to paint walls as part of the City Year MLK Day of Service at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)
Volunteers arrive to paint walls as part of the City Year MLK Day of Service at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)
Volunteers paint a wall as part of the City Year MLK Day of Service at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. (WTOP/Melissa Howell)

“We worked with the principals to make sure our messages and what we’re doing in their schools match what they want,” said Tafel.

Laray Booker also came out to volunteer.

“It’s a day of service and remembrance, so to do that with a group of young philanthropists is the best way to do it,” Booker said.

The opportunity to volunteer is one City Year encourages community members to take advantage of year-round.

“Find a way to get out there and be part of the community. Volunteer with City Year or other organizations in the city, and see how it fills your heart with joy,” Tafel said.

Melissa Howell

Melissa Howell joined WTOP Radio in March 2018 and is excited to cover stories that matter across D.C., as well as in Maryland and Virginia. 

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