Hundreds of students, parents, and community members turned out Sunday for the Webster Parish School Board’s 18th Annual Back-to-School Bash, taking advantage of free school supplies, community resources, haircuts, and other services designed to help families prepare for the upcoming school year.
Held simultaneously in Minden and Springhill, the annual event has become a tradition for Webster Parish families, bringing together educators, community organizations, volunteers, and local businesses ahead of the first day of classes.
Families were greeted with tables stocked with school supplies, while teachers and administrators were available to answer questions and assist with school registration. Attendees also had access to clothing and shoes through a community shop, visited vendor booths, entered raffles for prizes, and received giveaways throughout the event. Several local barbers volunteered their time to provide free haircuts for students preparing to return to the classroom.
Superintendent Johnny Rowland said the event has grown dramatically since its beginnings.
“To say that our Back to School Bash has grown and has become a much, much bigger event is an understatement,” Rowland said. “I can say with 100% certainty that, compared to other events in other school districts, they pale in comparison to this one.”
Rowland noted the event began with approximately 50 attendees and has since expanded into a large community effort serving hundreds of families each year.
He credited Community Liaison Ursula Hullaby for helping transform the Back-to-School Bash into one of the district’s signature events.
“I think it’s safe to say that, without her leadership, this event doesn’t happen … like this anyway, so a huge thanks to her and the myriad folks who help her, of which there are too many to list,” Rowland said.
Rowland also expressed appreciation to the businesses, organizations, volunteers, and sponsors whose contributions helped make the event possible.
With classes set to begin August 7, the Back-to-School Bash provided families with an opportunity to gather the supplies and information they need while connecting with the educators and community partners who support Webster Parish students throughout the school year.
