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Bladensburg High School officials said Tuesday night's meeting with representatives from surrounding towns, organizations and businesses is hopefully the first step in creating a community-supported school.

Elected officials from Bladensburg, Cheverly, Colmar Manor, Cottage City and Edmonston were in attendance, as well as representatives from various community organizations and businesses.

Students in the school's culinary arts, cosmetology, nursing, ROTC and biomedical programs showcased their skills by giving blood pressure screenings, food and manicures to attendees.

"This is the first time we're pulling together all these different communities that feed into the school," Bladensburg Mayor Walter James said. "There are a lot of the great things happening in the school that they may not be aware of."

Assistant Principal Jerome Shelton said there are eight municipalities that are feeder communities into the school. He encouraged towns to include a donation to the school in their upcoming budgets.

"Your children come here," he told the group gathered. "They need a little extra. They need experience, they need opportunity."

James said Bladensburg's budget normally includes a donation of more than $1,000 to the school's senior class, but it may look at donating to other classes in the future.

Colmar Manor Councilwoman Lois Ann Blue (Ward 1) said she wants her town to include a donation for the first time to the school in the upcoming budget.

James also said he'd like the school's culinary arts program to cater town and Port Towns events, and would like to look into enlisting the help of audio-visual students in taping town meetings.

Principal Glynis Jordan said she not only wants surrounding communities to contribute to the school, but also find ways for the school to contribute to surrounding communities.

"The school has so many resources. For example, the cosmetology students can go to the nursing homes," she said. "It's about taking the pieces of the community that are disconnected and connecting so that together we are stronger."

Cheverly Councilman Vincent Ford (Ward 6) said towns should direct their administrative staff to develop plans to help the school, like by mentoring students.

"It would be good to come up with ideas on how to help besides just giving money. We have a lot of expertise we can offer," he said. "That doesn't cost anything, but you get a lot back."

The school worked with the town of Bladensburg in inviting all of the municipalities that are its feeder communities, Jordan said.

Student Government Association President Jennifer Avelar, 17, said students have many ideas for projects, including starting a recycling program in the school and holding events to benefit cancer survivors, that they need support in actualizing.

"I feel like we're making progress just by reaching out and creating dialogue," the Cheverly resident said.