Back to School Bash prepares youths for school year

Kesha Williams
August 28, 2013

Scores of area youngsters are ready to hit the books thanks to a weekend Back to School Bash and Food Drive at Elizabeth City State University, where they picked up school supplies and more. Last Sunday, ECSU radio station WRVS-FM 89.9 collaborated with the Elizabeth City Police Department, the North State Law Enforcement Officers Association and Champion Kutz to hold the event. WRVS has participated twice in the event that provided 185 youths with free haircuts, and nearly 300 students with free school supplies, free food, raffle prizes and entertainment. Melba Smith, director of Radio and TV Services at ECSU, said she was pleased to see so many parents and youths flood Roebuck Stadium and the R. L. Vaughan Center for the activities. Participants were asked to bring non-perishable food for donation to the Food Bank of the Albemarle. &quotIt was a great collaboration that allowed us to give so much back to the community we serve. There were 14 local barbers who displayed their skills this year and we really appreciated their time on a Sunday,&quot Smith said. &quotWe certainly wouldn’t have had such a good day without contributions from local businesses, citizens and university personnel who contributed in various ways.&quot Several local hair salons offered coupons for discounted services. Other participants included the Recruiting and Retention Battalion of the National Guard (Raleigh, NC), staff members from the local library who brought reading materials, face painters and volunteers who oversaw the inflatable Bounce House for kids. The Psi Xi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and the Zeta Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority also distributed their donated supplies. Additional key supporters also included the Police Athletic League (PAL) and WalMart. Big Lots allowed the radio station staff to receive canned food and donated school supplies at the local store site. Smith said she also is proud of the young people who performed at the event. &quotArea youths, including the singers from the Arts of the Albemarle, made the Back to School Bash more than a day of giveaways. Travis Hunter, a student at the Mid Atlantic Christian University, used a skit and an oral presentation to inform youths of their power to curb bullying,&quot she said. &quotWe are so thankful for all the people who heard the announcements on WRVS 89.9 and came to campus for the event.&quot