GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - Principal Leigh Grasso is a true Grand Junction native. She was born here, and attended Appleton Elementary, West Middle School, Grand Junction High School. and Mesa State College.

Her father, Louis Grasso, was the Superintendent at School District 51 for several years. He passed away last March, but according to Principal Grasso, he was very proud of her accomplishments as an education administrator.

She says her father instilled in her a sense of community service. She says, "I think what people would say about my dad is her really listened to the people he worked with."

Many students put in extra hours after school serving meals to the homeless, sending care packages through Operation Interdependance, making meals at the Gray Gourmet, and hosting fundraisers for energy-efficiency projects.

Camren Thomas is the President of the Junior Service League at East Middle School. He says community service is well-worth the hard work. He says it makes him feel good, and he learns alot. He says, "When I go do the homeless shelter meals, it really opens my eyes. I'm glad I just made this person's day by giving them food."

He says he's also made some friends. "I met this really nice lady, she talked about baseball. It's one of my favorite sports. She was smiling the whole time I was talking to her. I did make a friend."