Nov. 8, 2003 — The Charlotte Amalie High School got a much-needed makeover Saturday when about 350 to 400 volunteers descended on the school for the United Way's 7th annual Day of Caring.

"This school needed some sprucing up," said Kenney Todman, volunteer and CAHS art teacher. "With the United Way making the first effort, all of us had to join in." As coach of the varsity baseball team, Todman made sure all 15 of his players participated in the cleanup.

Jeanette Smith, principal of the high school, had tried to limit the number of students to about 100, for management purposes, but was delighted that many more showed up to handle the workload.

"A lot of students, parents, Red Cross volunteers and a few donations of food and drink helped to make this day possible," Smith said.

Volunteers cut and weeded the grass, and trash was removed from the campus by Public Works, which promptly picked up the collected refuse and hauled it away in an open-bin truck.

Volunteers not only picked up trash. They laid down fresh coats of paint to the walls, steps, corridors, railings, sidewalks and benches.

The logo "CAHS" at the entrance of the campus was replanted after the weeds and grass were cut away.

"I like giving back to the community," said Margaret Moore, division head of the Office of Management and Budget, while taking in the work done on the landscaping project.

Moore said she felt the need to come out to show that government employees are helping the community as well.

The auditorium received a new coat of paint, and a concrete-block wall was rebuilt. Volunteers began working on the wall Thursday, with the materials provided by VI Cement, according to Andrea Martin, United Way communication committee member and volunteer.

The gold-and-blue paint was donated by the Paint Depo, she said. Refreshments were provided by the Fruit Bowl, St. Thomas Dairies, Price Mart, Chico Distributing and Sugar Bay Resort.

The Day of Caring "brings out a cross-section of people," including students from CAHS and other schools, she said.

Kacey and Kassie Christopher attend the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, and volunteered their time to go toward the 500 required community-service hours. They spent nearly four hours painting, and their only complaint was about the intermittent rain.

"I had a wonderful time — except for a bit of rain," said Kennester Smith, a sophomore at IEKHS.

 "We're here for a good cause," said Carrie Todman, CAHS ninth-grade teacher. "To help clean up the school and beautify it." Since the government is not going to do it, she said, "We have been given the opportunity to help make it a better place."