Approximately 1,200 students, site supervisors, and Waller-Hempstead residents participated in the third annual Panthers at Work community service project, Saturday, Sept. 22.
The students and site supervisors met at 8 a.m. in the William “Billy” J. Nicks auditorium to get registered. There was a brief welcome and song as the students sang “I’m So Glad I go to PVU,” to get everybody’s blood flowing.
Breakfast was provided for those who brought canned goods, which were donated to the Shady Oaks Retirement Home in Waller.
After registration and the welcome, students began dispatching to their work sites. Students were actively involved whether they were stationed in the Baby Dome cleaning the trophy cases, trimming the hedges at the Newman Center or located at any one of the other 35 sites.
Speaking of the projects beginnings, Dr. Lauretta Byars, vice president for institutional relations and public service said, “The program was started because college is more than book work and this program gives the students, faculty, staff, and community the opportunity to come together for a good cause.”
The Prairie View Medical Academy gave blood pressure tests and medical advice to students and staff after they finished at their work sites.
According to Mayor Frank Jackson, who also volunteered, “Part of the federal distinction we have is to socially, economically and politically help our students learn how to function in a democratic society.”
Some of the students as first-year volunteers had very rewarding experiences.
Mason Brooks, a sophomore criminal justice major, said, “This is my first year and I will definitely do it again next year. I wish I could do something like this every weekend.”
Brook’s group cleaned the Newman Center and the Bayou.
Erica Robinson, a senior business marketing major who did an entire campus cleanup, stated that she wished she had participated in the project in previous years.
“I really respect the people who clean up the campus,” said Robinson. “I won’t throw down trash on campus anymore.”
Many students enjoyed the opportunity to take an active role in the community.
“There are lots of community service projects you can do in Houston,” said Terri Mason, a junior biology major. “But with the number of students at Prairie View, we could really have an impact on this community.”
Activities were concluded around noon.