NASHVILLE, Tenn. – McGavock High School has turned a new leaf by shedding its image of being on a downward spiral. Now the community has rolled up its sleeves to make sure those changes are visible to everyone who passes by.
“The plants are overgrown, bricks are knocked out,” said Principal Robbin Wall said about the landscaping. “If we can't make a good impression there then they're going to wonder, 'what am I walking into? What am I getting my child into?'”
The Donelson community has pitched in and help spruce up the grounds. The Donelson Gateway Project has already raised $7,500 of the $10,000 needed to improve the school’s landscaping.
“It's only fitting that we do this special project to McGavock High School physically, and to beautify this virtual entrance into our community,” said District 15 City Councilman Phil Claiborne.
It was not that long ago the high school used to be an eyesore that few wanted to claim.
“When I took my council office in 2007, this school was on the verge of being taken over by the state,” said Claiborne.
“I mean, when you go into a situation and you have two altercations between students before the day even starts on that first day six years ago, I had wondered what I had gotten myself into,” said Wall.
Thanks to academic improvements, McGavock welcomed the President of the United States last year. They were recognized for forging strong business partnerships and serves as a model across the district.
While planting trees and flowers are cosmetic changes the roots have run much deeper. The improvements to outside of the school were planned to reflect what's happening inside. The hope was that together, both investments would continue to grow.
In-depth landscaping is not in Metro Schools budget. Without the help from the community a project of this magnitude would not get done.
For more information on how to help visit: donelsongateway.org.
