HOUSTON – June 26, 2018 – Spring High School students have a new park to enjoy while on campus. The idea for this park began when Community Based Instruction Teacher Louis Evans and his students took a walk around the campus looking for a service project and decided they would turn the space between the stadium and the school into a park.

“One of the teachers came up with the name, Pride Park, you know, because of a pride of lions and the ultimate goal is for the students to take control and take pride in their school,” said Evans.

They had some help this week from the Evangelical Lutheran Churches of America, which sent more than 90 volunteers as part of their Multicultural Youth Leadership Event in Houston. That event  happens every three years, and this year part of that group is lending a hand at Spring High School.

“It’s a privilege to serve, being out here; it’s just doing God’s work. I hope we get a lot done today,” said Demetrius Dennis, volunteer.

They spent the afternoon cleaning up the front and sides of the school and helping volunteers from Lowe’s work on the Pride Park. Located at the back of the school, the park will feature an apple tree, portulaca, a finished mural and a succulent garden.

A Spring-area Lowe’s also helped out by supplying the materials needed, as well as sending over two of their store employees to help the volunteers.  

“Beautifying the outside of this school, inspires children,” said  Rose Nerios, Lowe’s Live Nursery Specialist. “Hopefully, I can find some students interested in gardening.”

Evans said that volunteers form Lowe’s will continue to visit once a month, helping with the upkeep and making sure Pride Park continues to be something “really truly special” for Spring High students.

“This is what happens when our community comes together — good things happen in our community, good things happen at Spring High School and in Spring ISD,” said Spring High School Principal Diaka Melendez.