Hands on DC: Tufts alumni help restore and revitalize local schools

Back row: Adrian Checa, Marilyn Lucht, Jocelyn Adkins, Lena Tran, Diana Cohen, Genna Sankin, Michelle Roberts, Rachel Hoff. Front row: Liz Pinto, Traci Lee, Ana Venegas, Meredith Dobbs.

May 14, 2007--Hands on DC: Better Schools, Brighter Futures is a one-day work-a-thon to help restore and revitalize DC public schools. The fun-filled day mobilized about 2,000 volunteers to complete projects ranging from painting to planting in 30 schools citywide, and raised more than $10,000 in pledge money that will go towards college scholarships.

The Washington Tufts Alliance (WTA), a chapter of the Tufts University Alumni Association, has had a team of volunteers participate for the past three years. This year's event was held on Saturday, April 28. Tufts alumni painted a mural on the walls surrounding the outdoor playground at Montgomery Elementary School.

"The WTA is proud to be a part of Hands on DC's initiative to improve the conditions of DC public schools and provide graduates with college scholarships," said Rachel Hoff, A04. "We all had a blast reconnecting with fellow alumni while helping our schools better serve the students of our community. At the end of the day, it was so amazing to step back and see the fruits of our labor – a mural of bright and beautiful animals, including Jumbo!"

The WTA holds many alumni events throughout the year. Check the calendar of events on the Tufts Alumni website for a list of upcoming alumni events in DC and around the world!