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JustServe and Juneteenth Committee Partner for Community Enhancement in Denton

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Denton Juneteenth Committee coming together after their project at Tomas Rivera Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Robbie Evans.

In a vibrant display of community spirit and collaboration, JustServe and the Denton Juneteenth Committee have joined forces to celebrate Juneteenth with a meaningful service project. On May 25, volunteers gathered at Tomas Rivera Elementary School to restore its soccer field, creating a safer and more enjoyable space for students and community members alike.

Community Contributions Make a Difference

The project was made possible thanks to generous donations from local businesses and individuals. Tri-Tex Grass contributed high-quality sod, ensuring the field’s surface was lush and durable. Richard Clark generously provided new bleachers and goals, enhancing the field’s facilities and making it a more accommodating venue for games and events.

Project Completion and Upcoming Ceremony

With the completion of the restoration project, the community is eagerly anticipating the official unveiling of the revamped soccer field. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Tomas Rivera Soccer Field on June 19, at 5 p.m. This event will not only commemorate the successful completion of the project, but also highlights the significance of Juneteenth as a time for community unity and improvement.

Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. This year’s celebrations are particularly special as they integrate the spirit of service and community betterment, exemplified by the collaborative efforts of Just Serve and the Juneteenth Committee. The holiday’s name is a portmanteau of the words “June” and “nineteenth”, as it was on June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the Civil War (Wikipedia).

A Lasting Impact

The restored soccer field at Tomas Rivera Elementary School stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together. The new field not only provides a safe place for children to play and develop their athletic skills but also serves as a reminder of the positive changes that collective efforts can bring about.

As the ribbon is cut on June 19, the celebration will mark not just the physical transformation of a sports field but also the enduring spirit of cooperation and community pride. This Juneteenth, the legacy of freedom is honored through tangible acts of service and the creation of spaces that foster growth, joy, and togetherness. We hope you will join us!

UPDATE: The ribbon-cutting was a success and was covered by the Denton Record-Chronicle on Juneteenth. Read the article here!

Photo of Juneteenth Ribbon-Cutting by Juan Betancourt, Denton Record-Chronicle.