Boys from the varsity and JV football teams worked together to better the campus, Saturday. Their annual campus beautification event gave the players a unique opportunity to put themselves in the shoes of the custodial staff and give back to the community that cheers them on during games.

According to football coach Mitchell Donnelly, the cleanup event is meant to showcase the lessons taught in the football program and to show the school that the players care about the campus.

“The purpose of the event is to help improve our campus by setting a good example and giving back to our community,” Donnelly said. “It also supports the idea of ownership and taking pride in our campus through work. We want to be able to give back and show [Westview] that we appreciate their support.”

The players were divided into groups working on different tasks around the campus, including picking up trash in the bushes, sweeping the weight room, cleaning the team locker room, spray painting over rusty spots on the football sleds, and scraping gum off of walls. 

One group also helped Tara Appling, one of Westview’s school administrative specialists, with improving the outdoor area of the teacher’s lounge. Appling said that she appreciated what the football team was doing for the campus, especially after the recent stormy weather.

“We are trying to bring Westview back to some cleaner days and make it a more inviting place for everyone,” Appling said. “The weather has done a number on our campus and it’s going to take all of us together to make it look nice, so we couldn’t have done this day without [the football players].” 

She also said she believes that the work they are doing could be the start of a necessary change on campus. 

“They get to see what needs to change, what needs to be kept up, and maybe all of it will inspire others to do a little bit more around campus,” Appling said.

A group of players picking up trash, including Shaheer Naim (11) and Gavin Martins (11), agreed that the reason for the event was creating a lasting impact and inspiring other students.

“It’s like there’s a lack of pride in our campus,” Martins said. “People don’t respect it enough like they should.”

Naim concurred, adding that it is important for the players to act as role models to other students.

“It’s disheartening when people don’t throw away their trash,” Naim said. “It’s like no one really cares. So, we’re trying to set an example here and maybe other people will join in.”