For the second consecutive year, more than 1,500 seniors class members from five Pasadena ISD high schools put down their books and picked up paint brushes and scrapers as they refurbished 23 homes for local Senior Citizens as part of the "Seniors Helping Seniors" program in May.

Pasadena ISD and Rebuilding Together Houston have been planning the "Seniors Helping Seniors" event since last year when Pasadena ISD seniors staged the largest Rebuilding Together project ever conducted. Some of the schools have already begun work on some of the homes, utilizing students and teachers from agriculture and trades classes to complete the necessary carpentry work leading up to the scheduled workday.

One home being refurbished by South Houston High School students has already undergone a complete cleaning and received a new stove which was donated due to the efforts of district staff and students. Additionally, participating homeowners were invited to enjoy complementary hair appointments from students in the Cosmetology class at Pasadena High School. Minor lawn care and landscaping was provided by students and teachers as well. 

"This project provided a wonderful opportunity for students to roll up their sleeves and positively impact in their community," said Sarah Wrobleski, the district's director of career and technical education and coordinator of the efforts. "Their support of Rebuilding Together Houston's mission provides a great model for other young people looking for ways to give back to their community. Through their combined efforts they will make a dramatic impact in the lives of their senior neighbors."

Rebuilding Together Houston is a non-profit community outreach organization that provides no cost home modifications and repairs to low income, elderly and disabled Houston area homeowners, making homes safer, more accessible, and more energy efficient.

Last year, more than 1,700 high school seniors from Dobie, Memorial, Pasadena, Sam Rayburn and South Houston high schools worked side-by-side painting, landscaping and making other needed improvements to the homes of Senior Citizens.

 "The schools have planted the seed that community service is an important part of life," said Robert E. Conklin, executive director of Rebuilding Together Houston. "These students have done an excellent job."