HAZLETON -- There are parts of Hazleton riddled with graffiti, left by gangs and vandals. It's a sight too common for some.
"I don't like it, it's just disrespectful to destroy somebody else's property," said Hazleton Area High School 11th grader Devon Gilmore.
Gilmore along with a dozen other Hazleton Area High School students and teachers, patrolled the city's downtown with paint in hand, covering up and painting any graffiti in sight.
This is a community service initiative and a class project for these life-skills students. It will likely get them a good grade, and they've already received many thank you's from people in the community.
"They are really proud of the work they did, and just to watch their faces after they complete the project and people who pass by saying what a great job they've done. It really gives them a good self-esteem boost," said Sean Darraugh, a H.A.H.S teacher with the students.
State Representative Tarah Toohil and a local organization called POWER, provided the paint.
Representative Toohil was so proud of the student's effort, she took them all out for lunch at their favorite place: Jimmy's in downtown Hazleton.
