Good Works: Kids spruce up historic cemetery

05:52 PM CDT on Thursday, June 30, 2005

By Jerome Gray / 11 News

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Most of the time kids learn about history in school books. But we found dozens of Houston area students who decided to uncover a bit of history right in their own back yard -- and do a good deed at the same time.

KHOU

Olivewood Cemetery was established for freed people of color in 1876.

On a warm, muggy, summer morning, more than a 150 young people are clearing away years of overgrowth buried beneath are decades of history.

"We're cleaning up the cemetery," explained Amanda Frock, 18.

Olivewood Cemetery was established for freed people of color in 1876.

"Really well-educated and significant contributors to the community that are buried here and been forgotten," said Randy Thorn of Humble.

Forgotten no more.

Teens from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are beating back the brush, wacking away the weeds and exposing the headstones.

"Even though work may not be easy and it may not be fun, you have a good feeling when you know you're doing something right and good for the community," said Spencer Wennermark, 16.

"It's really exciting to see all the progress," said Fronk.

Descendants of those laid to rest here are excited as well.

"And I said, 'Are you sure you want to come out to Olivewood and help us get it cleaned off? Have you seen it?'" said Margott Williams. "They are just such a blessing."

Church organizers hope today's cleanup efforts will be the start of a new appreciation for community service.

"We think that it's very important for kids to learn to extend a helping hand," explained Thorn.

"Hopefully, people will continue to work on it and keep it clean," said Fronk.

So we salute the teens of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for all of their Good Works.