With the new school year just days away, more than 1,000 students and their families turned out for the 17th Annual Back to School Bash on Sunday, filling the campuses of Webster Junior High School and North Webster High School for an afternoon of celebration, support, and preparation.
Hosted by Webster Parish Schools, the event offered a wide range of free resources designed to help students get a strong start to the academic year. Each child received a school supply bag and had the opportunity to visit a pop-up clothing store. Families also received food boxes, and students could take advantage of free haircuts offered on site.
In addition to essentials, the event had a festive atmosphere with snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn, and a variety of other snacks. Door prizes and interactive stations added to the fun, making the event feel more like a fair than a traditional giveaway.
“It was a huge success for the students and families,” said Community Liaison Ursula Hullaby. “We are grateful for all who assisted and attended. We are looking forward to the start of a great school year.”
Superintendent Johnny Rowland praised the event and the community effort behind it.
“Incredible, awesome, selflessness by many people are words that first come to mind,” Rowland said. “I can’t thank Ms. Hullaby and her very large team enough for this event! Our students and parents were so grateful in Minden and Springhill. I watched in awe as I thought, ‘Our school system is doing this for our kids.’ Sometimes words really are not sufficient… and we’ve done it for so many years now.”
The bash was funded entirely through donations from local organizations, businesses, and individuals. Two of the event’s premier sponsors provided transportation assistance for attendees by offering rides to and from their vehicles. They also contributed additional day-of donations and decorations that helped transform the campuses into welcoming, celebratory spaces.
Teachers and staff from schools across the parish were on hand to greet students and parents, providing an early opportunity to build connections before the first day of school on August 11.
Now in its 17th year, the Back to School Bash continues to serve as a cornerstone of community engagement in Webster Parish, combining fun with meaningful support to ensure students head into the classroom prepared, confident, and excited for the year ahead.
