Although he's known most for his groundbreaking work in the fight for civil rights, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was also an advocate for public service.
On Monday, some 400 volunteers signed up to fulfill that part of his legacy at Miami Northwestern Senior High School.
"I chose to come here because I live down the street," said Char Brown. "And, so what better place to be instead of being in my bed not doing anything than to come out and help a local school."
From planting to painting, volunteers of all ages and backgrounds came together to beautify the campus. Led by 170 members of City Year Miami, the volunteers from all over South Florida -- including local schools, and companies like Starbucks and Wells Fargo -- worked tirelessly to leave Miami Northwestern more beautiful than they found it.
"The true message of Dr. Martin Luther King was really everyone can be great, because everyone can serve," said Saif Ishoof, executive director of City Year Miami.
City Year is a national program with some 2,000 volunteers. Each commits about a year to an urban school needing help in areas like mentorship and tutoring.
Miami Northwestern's principal said students would be in for a shock Tuesday morning.
"I think the impact is going to play out tomorrow when the students walk in tomorrow at Miami Northwestern," said Principal Wallace Aristide. "The impact is going to be huge."
