Symantec Systems Engineers Spend Day Painting, Building and Creating at New Orleans School

This year's Americas Systems Engineers Technology Summit was unofficially kicked off with a revitalization project at Laurel Elementary School's Annex Building and Courtyard in New Orleans, LA. The group wanted to do something a little special in the spirit of contributing to rebuilding the city, post-Katrina, and set out to transform the school space into a more pleasant and equipped learning environment.

More than 150 systems engineers spent their Sunday working alongside 20 Laurel Elementary School students to make improvements to their classrooms and school grounds. The volunteer crew helped to beautify the outdoor courtyard and revitalize the Annex building. Their combined efforts inspired people in surrounding neighborhoods who spontaneously joined in to help plant garden boxes; paint educational murals; build benches, picnic tables, puppet theatres and trash can holders; and install a volleyball court. The group also worked on indoor renovations and painted 12 classrooms and hallways of the school's annex building.

The opportunity for Symantec to participate in the revitalization project was facilitated through Hands On New Orleans, an organization that hosts citizens from around the world, as well as provides service opportunities for citizens in the local New Orleans community. Hands On supports volunteers who take action through service to meet critical community needs and facilitates the rebuilding of New Orleans neighborhoods in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Hands On New Orleans has mobilized more than 10,000 volunteers to provide nearly 500,000 hours of service.  

Deirdre Sena
Oct. 21, 2008