CCHS gets a facelift

Tiffany Reed
Published: August 6, 2008

Since June 16, athlete Jessie Nerkowski and all of her field hockey friends have been fully devoted to making Culpeper County High School a better place.

Unlike most student projects, this one has been quite time-consuming.

“We’ve accomplished a lot,” Jessie said. “The work was tiring, but it was definitely worth it.” She and others spent an average of 30 to 36 hours a week down at the high school.

They didn’t spend all of their time dusting trophies.

“The trophies were just the beginning,” Jessie said. “Our goal was to do everything in our power to make it perfect.”

One day last week, for example, the crew repainted all of the walls surrounding the gym.

Head football Coach Greg Martz has supported the group throughout the process and has persuaded his own players to come out and help.

Presently, the painting process is almost finished. Motivational quotes fill the halls, citing the words the words of Helen Keller, Yoda, and many others. The long hallway upholds school spirit with silhouettes of every sport played at CCHS.

A few weeks ago, the girls had all of the ceiling tiles taken down in hopes of replacing them.

“They were just so dirty,” Jessie said. “We were in the process of taking a few down and there was so much dust that it set off the smoke detector.”

After a remote rescue from the fire department, the team got back to work.

While continuing the task inside, Jessie also made her way outside. She painted “CCHS” across the four entrance doors and painted a self-drawn silhouette of a devil for the two side windows.

Along with replenishing the paint on the entrance rails, Jessie has removed the bushes outside of them. The cleaning group hopes to pressure wash the outside brick and sidewalk before school begins.

A digital sign board has been ordered for the gym entrance to update students, parents and athletes of upcoming events.

The only major project left before school opens is the gym. On Aug. 9, the team — possibly including football players — and anyone else interested in coming will be painting the gymnasium.

Around 7 a.m., these determined volunteers will be at the high school painting until finished. Anyone interested should bring drop cloths and their own paint brush or roller; the paint will be provided.

Volunteer Sara Clemer is fascinated by all of the improvements made so far, and is glad she is a part of it.

When asked about the upcoming school year and students’ reaction Sara said that “most teenagers take what we are doing for granted and mistake all the effort put into this.

“I plan on persuading others to keep it this way.”

But before any thoughts about school begin, the crew is working hard to recruit their families and friends to come out this Saturday for the final task.

Business are encouraged to donate their supplies, and restaurants are being asked to support the cause by providing lunch.

Tiffany Reed can be reached at . She writes a monthly column abut her experiences at Culpeper County High School.