The new school season is being celebrated today, with a community Back-to-School Kickoff in Buffalo.Hosted by the University District’s Youth Council, the free event will offer backpacks full of school supplies to students in need, so that they will be prepared for the school year. Youth Council Chairperson Taisha St. Jean says this is a first of its kind event in the University District.
“This is the first time the Youth Council is designed to do something as big a thing as this, giving out so many book bags, prizes, raffles. So this is the first time. We believe, because we’ve been getting a lot of phone calls that it’s going to be a great turnout. We just hope that we could get rid of the book bags, and everybody has a good time, and they’re ready to go back to school in September,” said St. Jean.
St. Jean says it is also an opportunity for members of the youth council to exercise life skills.
“They’re going to do a speech which is helping them to be more comfortable public speaking. We have our regular council members giving back and giving book bags. It’s more a little fun event for them to get involved and help kids out, but it’s also building their leadership skills,” said St. Jean.
High school juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to meet with college representatives and explore different careers. St. Jean says most of Western New York’s colleges will have representatives at the event, prepared to offer advice, answer questions, and offer waivers for application fees. Companies like Rural Metro will be on-hand as well to talk about career paths.
The event runs from noon until 4 p.m. at the Edward Saunders Community Center, at 2777 Bailey Avenue in Buffalo.
