The day had finally arrived for the James River Association (JRA) sponsored Extreme Stream Makeover to arrive in Newport News for projects including Denbigh High School, Grissom Library, and Stoney Run Sports Complex.

The opening ceremony for the 5 day event (modeled after the popular TV show ‘Extreme Makeover Home Edition,’) was held in the beautiful auditorium at Denbigh High School.

Denbigh High School principle Michael Coomartie welcomed the energetic and excited audience. Key people at the event included 4 Denbigh High School Science classes, teachers, citizens, and local and state government officials. Principle Coomartie thanked the James River Association for including Denbigh High School in the makeover and challenged his students to help make a difference.

The James River Association Executive Director, Mr. Bill Street, spoke on the importance of water today and in the future: “Water is so valuable,” he said, “Water will be the oil of the future. We all share in the ownership and responsibility of restoring our waterways.” Mr. Street recognized the elected officials in the audience which included Councilwoman Tina Vick, Vice Mayor Madeline McMillan, Congressman Bobby Scott, and Delegate Glenn Oder.

Other city officials that were present included Everette Skipper, Director of Engineering; Cynthia Rohlf, Assistant City Manager; and Brian Lewis, Chief Engineer of Environmental Services.

Vice-Mayor McMillan cheers on the achievements of the students and the Denbigh Patriots

Vice Mayor McMillan thanked the students of Denbigh High School for their interest in the project and challenged them to give their time in volunteering in the city. “Never underestimate the time that you give,” she said, “The city cannot do everything, we need your time and volunteering to help get things done.”

Congressman Bobby Scott greets everyone and talks about the preservation of our waterways

Congressman Scott encouraged everyone that, “cleaning up the James River and the Chesapeake Bay will go a long way in improving the environment and our local economy.”

Delegate Glenn Oder encoraged the students of Denbigh High School to help keep the environment clean

Delegate Oder said a few words concerning the legacy that his generation left behind on the environment. “Our world was clean,” he said, “But we didn’t know what we were doing, so now it’s a different world. It’s up to you to clean-up the environment and leave it better for others.”

From left to right: Denbigh High School Principle Michael Coomartie, Vice Mayor Madeline McMillan, Congressman Bobby Scott, Delegate Glenn Oder, Councilwoman Tina Vick, and James River Association Executive Director Mr. Bill Street during the groundbreaking ceremony

Denbigh High School students look on during the groundbreaking ceremony

The next portion of the ceremony took place in the Denbigh High School Courtyard where the groundbreaking was held for the James River Association revitalization project, which includes the addition of a rain garden, wet pond, compost bin, raised beds, rain barrels, and open space for seating.

There’s still time to volunteer in the Extreme Stream Makeover in Newport News. If you would like to volunteer Monday - Wednesday, morning registration is between 8:00 am and 8:20 am and afternoon registration is between 1:00 pm and 1:20 pm. Registration will be held in the parking lot adjacent to the Kmart located at 401 Oriana Road, Newport News, Virginia 23608. If you have a group to volunteer Monday - Wednesday please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your group’s information.

Story and photos by Seth Fisher