NATCHEZ – It started a year ago when the teachers at Cathedral Elementary School decided “to do something about the dirt” on the playground. Because the teachers’ feel play is an essential part of a student’s development and socialization, plans were put in motion to give the playground a complete makeover with new, state-of-the-art playground equipment. Most of the funds came from the $16,000 profit from elementary students’ annual magazine sales, the rest came from individual contributors. To save labor costs for the set up, the school community planned a Build Day. Alumni, parents, faculty and even students themselves came out to help. In top photo, Clay Bland and John Hicks (’88) build the play web. In middle photo, Melissa Smith Serio (’85) and Melissa Vaughan (right) paint existing swing sets. In bottom photo, Jim Funderbury and Henry Farmer steady the rock wall as it is set in place. (Photos courtesy Stephanie Matheney)