School lunches aren’t just a chance for kids to escape the classroom. They’re an opportunity for students to nourish their bodies and recharge for the day. Inside the cafeteria at one Lake Worth elementary school, lunch is extra special. For most students, it comes at a reduced price or is free.
Highland Elementary is a Title 1 school. The campus receives extra money from the government because a high percentage of their student population comes from low-income and underserved families. At lunch, you’d never know. Smiles and laughter fill the room. The one thing you’d notice. The cafeteria walls. Time left them drab and faded. After all, the school was built in 1954 and last renovated in the 1998.
More than 60 volunteers with Comcast’s Team UP program – an always-on, 365-days-a-year effort to provide employees opportunities to get more involved in their community – noticed the need and sprung into action. They helped organize an event at Highland Elementary to spruce up the lunchroom for the kids. Their principal Frances Frye said the students come from a variety of different backgrounds. Flags, representing a host of countries, will adorn the walls. Frye thanked Comcast for the company’s financial investment to make the upgrades possible.
“This was great chance to bring the community together today,” said Mrs. Frye. “With help from local painters, high school students and Comcast employees, we’re able to bring this cafeteria the refresh it needed for years. I’m so excited to see how the kids react to this new space!”
Tim Rittgers is Facilities Specialist at Comcast. He said he’s always wanting to get out and give back to the community. Rittgers jumped at the opportunity to volunteer and paint the school cafeteria.
“I love volunteering and giving back to the community,” Rittgers said. “Painting sounded fun and so that’s what brought me here today. I’m thankful to work for a company like Comcast that provides me with opportunities like this.”
This Spring, the cafeteria will double as the performance space for the school’s upcoming theatrical production of Finding Nemo.
“Now we get to host parents, families and friends in this freshly upgraded space while they watch the students perform in May,” said Mrs. Frye.
Since 2010, Comcast has provided over $10.8 million in cash and in-kind donations to Palm Beach County’s non-profits, community events, sponsorships and other initiatives.
