True Value has generously donated 20 gallons of paint to Burroughs High School through its Painting a Brighter Future grant program, giving parts of the campus a fresh new look.
The donation is part of an overall effort for the local hardware store.
“True Value, The High Desert Home Center, is always looking for opportunities to support the local community,” said local True Value COO James Mower. “The grant offers us an opportunity to donate materials and support our local community through our schools.”
The donation has already been put to good use. Students walking around Burroughs may have noticed a new, spiffy coat of paint on the ramps of the J and P portable buildings.
Not only is it a nice facelift, but it also offers enhanced safety, as the new textured paint provides extra grip.
Economics Teacher Eric Lawrence appreciates the new pigment enhancing his rampway.
“They look nicer and they are safer, as the old ones were scuffed and rubbed raw,” said Lawrence.
The ramps were painted by a group of Burroughs juniors on Saturday, Sept. 27. The volunteers included Evan Romp, Morrison Doyle, Cash Camacho, and Marley Aguilar.
The donated paint also allowed Burroughs to make progress on its planned Wellness Room in the old Administration Building.
AVID students program painted the room as a community service project. Volunteers included Madalynn Humble, Axel Tucker, Zach Henley, Abbey Hernandez, Haileyana Garcia, Jaxon Ranard, Katey Bailey, Abby Hardwick, Salvador Guerrero, Rhys Nutter, Olivya Yang, Chloe Williams, Clover Cooper, Audrina Valencia, Sofia Saldivar Buchan, and Shyann Taggert.
The Wellness Room is being funded by a $2,000 mini-grant that allows schools to create, furnish, or expand a quiet, calming space for students in crisis. The designated space adjoins Counselor Shari Rosenberg’s office, allowing her to monitor and support students as needed. The goal of the room is to allow students to regulate their emotions, de-escalate stress, and practice coping skills so they can return to the classroom ready to engage.
“BHS is so thankful for the paint donation! It was very much appreciated,” said Principal Carrie Cope.
Dean of Students Doug Hayes coordinated the grant implementation.
“Painting a Brighter Future was tremendous in their generosity, and the local store was awesome,” said Hayes. “From the help desk to the employees who mixed the paint, it was an awesome experience!”
In addition to this one-time donation, each year the local True Value store offers a special painting package for seniors painting B-Mountain, and they work with Burroughs’ adult students to give them work experience.
“The local True Value store is so very supportive of Burroughs High School,” said Cope.
