Las Cruces students wipe out graffiti on MLK Day

A Las Cruces school did not close its doors on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all for a good cause.

While many students enjoyed the federal holiday at home, students at the new America School in Las Cruces rolled up their sleeves and went to work.

High schoolers painted over graffiti inside the drainage tunnels off Del Monte and Lohman Monday morning. They also picked up bags of trash. Others loaded up boxes and cleaned out the storage room at a local soup kitchen. Some even organized book shelves at the boy’s and girls club.

This is the fifth year the school has remained open on Martian Luther King Jr. day. Principal Margarita Porter says they’re the only school in the borderland that does. She says they’re serving the community because that’s what Dr. King did.

“We serve a high risk community and even students with issues at home or their personal life, they have the opportunity to serve others and they feel very proud of themselves,” Porter said.

“He did help the community and we’re out here also making a difference,” Teresa Martinez, a senior at the New America School said.

The school has 300 students. About 85 showed up Monday to volunteer their time.