Students, volunteers spruce up Roosevelt High School as part of MLK Day tradition

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Dozens of students, along with local volunteers, turned out to spruce up Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights as part of a longstanding Martin Luther King, Jr. Day tradition.

Students were joined by volunteers from AltaMed Health Services and the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County. The group spent Monday morning adding a fresh coat of paint on stairs and benches to help beautify the school.

"I strongly believe in higher education so whatever inspires any students to keep going forward then that's why I'm here to help," volunteer Alejandra Rodriguez said.

For the 4th year, the high school is celebrating the legacy of King with a day of service. The students painted inspirational messages on the walls, which the students say leaves a powerful message.

The volunteers also helped maintain the campus garden, which has taught the students a lot about sustainable agriculture.

"Growing up, I was always told get out there and get involved in the community because that's where you grew up in, you know, that's your heart," said Jasmine Ragland, a volunteer from the community clinic.