FACE LIFT FOR LANCASTER SHELTER : KIDS SACRIFICE SPRING BREAK.

Byline: Karen Maeshiro Daily News Staff Writer

Repainting a swing set with a long-handle paint roller, Highland High School sophomore Christina Wheeler was doing her part to brighten a cluster of buildings that serves as a domestic violence shelter.

Wheeler was among 70 students who were taking two days out of their spring break to repaint rooms, mow the lawn, clear brush, clip hedges and repair playground equipment at the Antelope Valley Domestic Violence Council Valley Oasis Shelter.

``We heard about how bad conditions were, and how kids can't even play on the playground,'' said Wheeler, who intended to miss a swim meet today to continue the work. ``We're here to make things better. It's just the right thing to do.''

Jerry Grashaw, a history teacher at the Palmdale campus, said the students came from his history classes and various student groups, including peer helping programs and the Air Force Junior ROTC.

Grashaw said he contacted shelter manager Sandy Nolan and asked if there was anything that could be done. This month is National Abuse Awareness Month.

``We're doing painting, plastering and yard maintenance, anything that we can do that needs to be done,'' said Grashaw.

Grashaw said he expected between 20 to 25 students to volunteer, and considers the 70 who showed up to be evidence that not all teens get pregnant, take drugs or do graffiti.

``They never cease to impress me with their purity of intent and positive energy for life,'' Grashaw said.

A 25-year-old woman who has been staying at the shelter with her 6-year-old daughter for more than a month said she was appreciative of the students' work.

``I think it's wonderful how they did get so many kids to volunteer,'' the woman said. ``It's wonderful that the kids are willing to help out and do something with their spring break that's productive instead of going out and causing trouble.''

The 15-year-old shelter has room for 86 people and plans to expand to 145 beds by the end of next year, Nolan said. The facility serves both men and women and their families who are victims of domestic violence.

``I think it's great,'' Nolan said. ``They are good teen-agers out there, and we have to recognize them.''

In the children's playground, students were digging holes beneath some of the playground equipment to install cement bases to make them more stable. Other jungle gyms in disrepair were being dismantled to be tossed out.

Nolan said county inspectors have closed the playground area until the shelter installs a rubberized surface, which will cost $5,000. Nolan said the shelter is seeking donations to pay for the surface.

Brant Goodwin, a senior, was helping repaint the food storage room shelves.

``I felt it was a good thing to do. It's nothing hard to do, and it's for a good cause,'' Goodwin said.

Goodwin said he also volunteers at the Antelope Valley Children's Center, where abused children and their families are treated. He entertains children there with puppets, singing and dancing.

CAPTION(S):

4 Photos

Photo: (1--color in AV only) Two Highland High School st udents help one of the campus's teachers fix a jungle gym Tuesday.

(2--ran in AV only--color) A ceiling at the Domestic Violence Council Valley Oasis Shelter in Lancaster is readied for paint.

(3--ran in AV only) A pupil from Highland High School in Palmdale, Allaire McDaugall, 17, cuts down grass as part of a volunteer cleanup held Tuesday.

(4) Some of the 70 student volunteers paint a building at the Domestic Violence Council Valley Oasis Shelter.

Jeff Goldwater/Special to the Daily News