GSC freshmen Emily Boone, of Braxton County, and Kyle
Middleton, of Annapolis, MD, were among a crew of over
375 working throughout the campus and community on various
projects Saturday morning. In all 10 projects were assigned,
including work at the Gilmer County Recreation Center

(Photos by Drew Moody)

More than 375 Glenville State College Freshman reported to various locations as part of an enrichment-community service project last Saturday, August 25.

About 60 were assigned to paint metal railings campus-wide. College faculty and staff assisted at all locations. The group seemed to enjoy the work, and together in less than four hours accomplished what may have taken a few weeks for one person to do.

Kip Colvin, director of student activities, and faculty member Amy Fiddler led the planning team. It was the fruition of one of GSC President Peter Barr's initial goals after his arrival here - creating a short-term shared event emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community and encouraging volunteerism.

Other locations included the Wesley Foundation, Gilmer County High School, the hospice thrift store, and Family Resource Network. In all, students and faculty were working at 10 different locations throughout the Glenville community.

The projects will conclude September 7 and 8.

Shane Starcher, of Roane County, grinds rust
from the administration building railing

A DIFFERENT APPROACH

Donna Waddell, of Gilmer County Family Resource Network, decided to give the GSC freshmen a crash course in community development. The group's willingness to participate surprised her.

"Basically they were all engaged and want to be part of the community," Waddell said.

The students discussed their first impressions of the area. Most were from the central West Virginia region.

Waddell said the students thought the downtown area looked "very poor." She said they'd also like to have a place to "hang out" off campus that didn't serve alcohol and had a pool table.

As a group, they decided to take the first step, when necessary, saying hello and making eye contact with area residents.

"Sam" Crouch of Ritchie County was among a group assigned
to spruce up the Gilmer County High School field house. The
students basically repainted the buildings in less than four hours

Danielle Wood, of Normantown, works on
railings near the college library