Splashed with blue paint, the evidence of a long day spent changing the color of the Laurinbrug Institute's Cafeteria, Tondaleya Jackson took a few moments to reflect on what the Benedict College students under her guidance had done on Saturday.

Jackson, the director of the Columbia, SC college's Service-Learning Program, had just witnessed 38 students, mostly sophomores and freshmen, freely sacrifice the first two days of their Spring Break so that they could travel nearly three hours to the historical Laurinburg Institute and perform much needed maintenance, repair, and cleaning work on its campus.

"I think it speaks to the nature of the young people today, especially given our new president's focus on each of us doing our part -- which we have been doing at Benedict College through the Service-Learning Program since 1995," she said, explaining what the sacrifice indicates about the young people who participated.

In addition to painting, the Benedict College students, along with some students from the Institute, could be seen removing debris from the campus, pressure washing walls, and tackling large-scale landscaping projects.

The Spring Break service project, which is in its third year, brought students to New Orleans on a Habitat for Humanity mission last year. The Laurinburg Institute was among 50 other initial candidates for this year's trip, and was chosen, said Jackson, because "most of the students connected with (its) historical relevance."

"The fact that it was here to educate African Americans when other schools were not, and because these students actually stay on campus -- I think our college students can relate to the campus life."

Most importantly, she said, was that the students were "drawn to the fact that they could help a group of people who could use the help."

One such Benedict student, junior LeRonica Jackson, said that she was "blown away" by her experience in Laurinburg.

"I never expected to be involved like this, and it was a great experience," she said.

Even Jackson, a student herself, could recognize the peculiarity of so many young people giving of their Spring Break time to do volunteer work.

"I'm very proud of my peers and myself because this is the beginning of our Spring Break and we have decided to serve."

Those making the trip, said Benedict staff member Aaron Honore, were given a "crash course" in the history of the institute, which he said motivated them further to get the work done. Honore was just as impressed with the students, and said that he felt that their efforts were thanks to an understanding of the fact that "there is a lot out there to be done and a few people can't do it alone."

Fresh fried fish was served to keep spirits up as the day wore on, and for those students who remained on Sunday morning (half departed Saturday evening for Columbia) a church service at Bright Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church followed by a free meal arranged by Pastor Garland Pierce was there to look forward to.

Laurinburg Institute President Frank McDuffie chose to use a sports term to qualify his thoughts about the day, calling it "a winner."

"Firstly, the Lord has given us a beautiful day, and secondly, there has been an effort made by people to improve the lives of others, and how do you measure that?"

McDuffie, like Jackson, pointed to the example of new President Barack Obama as a factor contributing to the high level of participation during the service weekend.

"I think with the direction of (Obama) that our nation is taking a different bent; It's not as mean spirited and people are more willing to share and give and to be a part of something.

In addition to Benedict College and Laurinburg Institute students, there were also Laurinburg Institute alumni who participated on Saturday.