Since its construction in 1996, Bob Jones High School has been Madison’s showcase. Now, the community can return the favor.

Starting July 17, volunteers are needed to paint hallways at Bob Jones High School.

Principal Robby Parker is recruiting volunteers for “Paint Day” starting on July 17.

“We’re starting our 17th year in the building, and I’m proud to say Bob Jones is still one of the prettiest schools in the state,” Parker said. “As with any facility, especially one used by 2,000-plus students daily, it’s in need of some touch-up.”

Parker is asking volunteers to paint the hallways. “That’s where I need your help. Dr. Dee Fowler has graciously agreed to buy the paint for us if we can paint the halls. I’m very excited about this,” Parker said.

Bob Jones workers will paint offices, sections of the cafeteria and some classrooms. “But they physically cannot paint the halls. I would like for the community to help me paint our halls beginning on July 17 at 10 a.m. We need as many people as possible,” Parker said. Students are welcome.

Volunteer crews will paint “until we get tired that evening,” Parker said. Work will continue all week (July 18-20) and will begin daily at 9 a.m.

The school staff will provide all paint, rollers and brushes. “I will even buy lunch,” Parker said.

“We are getting ready for the new school year at Bob Jones — doing all the things we do in the summer, including hiring staff, building the schedule, holding a very large summer school and stripping and waxing 260,000 square feet of floors,” Parker said.

For the 2011-2012 school year, 2,300 students attended Bob Jones, compared to 2,100 for the coming year, with the opening of James Clemens High School.

Bob Jones’ light tan walls will be painted white with a gray tint, with new charcoal gray baseboards.

“I’m as fired up about the 2012-2013 school year as I’ve been about any school year I’ve ever gone into,” Parker said. “I want our school to look great for the best kids in the state as they enter on Aug. 20.”

To volunteer, send email to rparker@madisoncity.k12.al.us.