Students return to a safer, updated school thanks to Robinson Nuclear Plant volunteers

While students enjoyed the last lazy days of summer, Robinson Nuclear Plant volunteers rolled up their sleeves to give a local school a makeover.

For five years now, the plant has worked with different schools from the area to make needed improvements before students return to class. This year, Robinson selected Carolina Elementary School in Hartsville, S.C. as the focus of its volunteer event.

More than 70 volunteers tackled a wide variety of projects suggested by school principal, Donna Barrett, many of which were safety-related. Volunteers added mulch to the playground to soften potential falls.  Gravel was spread across flood-prone areas where students wait for buses. The new surface will make it safer for students in the winter months when ice makes walkways slick.

Volunteers also gave the school a fresh look by painting classrooms, building storage, creating a raised flower garden, installing a compost bin and repairing damage in the cafeteria. To complement the landscaping and repair work, Robinson volunteers donated education materials for several classrooms.

For volunteer Celia Thompson, projects like the Carolina Elementary School makeover are a way plant employees can show their appreciation for the community where the plant operates.

“Duke Energy and Robinson Nuclear Plant provide so many opportunities for us to give back. I love bringing my kids to events like this so they can see the example that not only their mom sets but the example set by my work family.”

Watch the Carolina Elementary School makeover in action.