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This original Service First event won national recognition as one of seven "Exemplary Practices and Model Programs" from the National Association of Campus Activities. The award recognizes higher-education institutions that have successfully addressed a contemporary issue in student affairs with exemplary skill, creativity and resourcefulness.

More than 1,000 University students, mainly newly arrived freshmen, will volunteer their time Sept. 4 to landscape, paint, clean and renovate 11 St. Louis public schools to make the new school year more enjoyable for students and their teachers.

It's all part of the sixth annual Service First, an initiative that introduces first-year University students to community service in the St. Louis area.

This year's projects, as part of the St. Louis Public Schools' "First Day, Every Day" initiative, will range from painting indoor and outdoor murals and painting activities and maps on the playground, to creating bulletin boards and preparing classrooms.

"Service First is a wonderful day from beginning to end," said Stephanie Kurtzman, coordinator for community service and manager of Service First. "It is well-loved by students, staff and faculty at WUSTL, and by principals, teachers, students and their families in the St. Louis Public Schools.

"It's a positive, colorful day full of hard work, good conversations and lots of fun."

Upon returning to the University after a day of work, students will participate in a Community Service Fair and barbecue featuring more than 30 student-run organizations that focus on community service.

Service First is co-sponsored this year by The Women's Society of Washington University, Student Union, Congress of the South 40 and St. Louis Public Schools, among others.

Service First began in 1999 with about 600 student volunteers helping to clean and beautify scenic trails.

The program has grown and flourished every year since.

Schools to be visited this year are Adams Elementary, Blow Middle, Bryan Hill Elementary, Buder Elementary, Clay Elementary, Columbia Elementary, Dewey Elementary, Mullanphy Elementary, Sigel Elementary, Washington/Euclid Montessori and Yeatman Middle.

For more information, call Kurtzman at 935-5066.