This 'D' is a steep grade

More than 65 students full of school spirit made the trek to the "D" on Saturday to give it a face-lift.

The Douglas High School Block D students came in two waves to spruce up the "D," high on the hill above David Walley's Resort. The first with picks and shovels in hand to clear brush and replace rocks. The second armed with mops donated by The Home Depot to give the rocks a fresh coat of paint.

One hundred gallons of paint were left at the top of the hill courtesy of a helicopter drop off, said Block D advisor Ernie Monfiletto.

It was more than an hour's hike to the "D," but after a trek full of ups and downs and stunning views the students were ready to work.

"Those kids are absolutely fabulous," said Monfiletto. "I appreciate their help and work effort."

Monfiletto said painting the "D" was "a great tradition" among Douglas alumni for generations.Starting at the top to avoid loose rocks the students used picks, shovels and muscle power to negotiate the rocks back into the shape of the "D." Monfiletto said the last cleanup was two years ago and the area was in need of some weed removal and rock relocation.

Using caution in the steep terrain the athletes of the Block "D" club were able to reshape the mountainside letter in time for the painting crew to arrive and take over the work.

Meek's and Dick's Fuller O'Brien Paints donations contributed to the paint needed for the project, said Monfiletto.

With mops that doubled as walking sticks for the hike, the students took their precarious perch in order to mop the white paint onto the rocks that have seen more than a few coats of paint in the past.

Painting the "D" is just one of many year-end traditions for Douglas High School. The senior picnic is today at Lake Tahoe and graduation is June 15 at the high school.