After the March 2nd tornadoes that devastated much of Eastern Kentucky severely damaged Magoffin County’s new elementary school, students were moved to the old Salyersville Grade School. On Friday July 27, 2012, Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes joined efforts to renovate the old elementary school building and make it feel new in preparation for the upcoming school year.

Grimes, along with the Kentucky Education Association, the Outreach 2 Teach Planning Committee, the University of Kentucky and other volunteers, undertook a school-wide makeover. The project involved a variety of improvements, including painting classrooms, creating murals, refurbishing bulletin boards, cleaning and landscaping. In addition to contributing supplies and helping to paint, Grimes served lunch to the other volunteers.

"The process of recovering from the severe weather suffered on March 2nd will take years, and we must continue to support the affected communities as long as it takes,” said Grimes. “In the meantime, these students need and deserve a school that feels like home. I am happy to do anything I can to help ensure they have a great place to learn.”

The project marked Grimes’ third trip to Salyersville to help with the tornado recovery effort. One week after the tornadoes hit, Grimes traveled to Morgan and Magoffin counties to deliver supplies; assist with relief work; and meet with county clerks, business owners and school officials to assess damage and formulate a plan to help in the long-term recovery. In late April, Grimes and members of her staff operated a mobile field office in West Liberty and Salyersville to provide on-site business services and election information.