Fresh start for Headstart
By MeShae Hankerson Intern

Out with the old and in with the new … and improved.

Oohs and ahhs filled the air as guests toured the newly renovated Burke County Headstart facility.

Thanks to one Augusta Tech instructor, some Augusta Tech students and numerous volunteers, the building has gotten some much needed improvements.

Formerly known as Blakeney Elementary School, tens of thousands of students have roamed the halls of the almost centuryold building.

Although it has been around since the early 1900s, youngsters in the Headstart program continue to walk its halls.

Earlier this year, Monica Natoli, an early childhood education instructor at Augusta Tech, visited Headstart with some of her students and noticed the building was in need of some fixing up.

"Everytime I visited, I noticed the rundown condition of the building and thought of ways that it could be improved," she said.

After speaking with her class, they decided something needed to be done and came up with several improvement ideas.

To raise funds for the endeavor, the group sought help from some area businesses, receiving donations of paint, supplies, refreshments and other services.

The goal of the project was to create an atmosphere that young minds could identify with.

Adding color and character to the bare, paintchipped walls was at the top of the list.

Plans were also made to remove dirt and grime that had collected on the breezeway and walkway covering.

They were both pressure-washed and several outdoor obstructions were removed.

Several parents and volunteers spent countless hours trimming hedges and moving unused equipment.

"Some of these people don't even have children here," said Natoli, pointing out that many gave up several Saturdays to work.

On Tuesday, a celebration of appreciation was held for Natoli, her students and the many volunteers who helped with the completion of the project.

Willie Mae Cooper, director of the Burke County Headstart, planned the celebration.

"This is to show my appreciation for all the hard work and effort that went into this project," said Cooper. "I am so grateful."

Natoli, front right, is pictured with several of her students and ECE instructor Katherine Beasley, front left.

Cooper said she looks forward to even more improvements in the future.