Community Comes Together for Back to School Success

BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON

EDENTON – Edenton’s Waterfront Park buzzed with excitement Friday evening (Aug. 22, 2025) as families, students, and community leaders gathered for the Community-Strong Back to School event, which demonstrated the power of collaboration in supporting local education.

The celebration drew hundreds of children and their families to kick off the new school year and help ease the financial burden many families face as the school year begins. While education may be free in America, the costs of school supplies, clothing, technology fees, and other necessities can create challenges for some families.

“One way to help our students be successful is to ease that burden,” said the Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation, one of the event’s organizers, in a Facebook post. “Another way is to just be present, to show interest, and express encouragement.”

A woman in historic attire demonstrates a traditional activity while standing in a park. She wears a black bonnet and a light-colored dress, holding a wooden toy with a string. A playground structure and people in the background contribute to a lively community event atmosphere. — ***A staff member from Historic Edenton State Historic Sites attempts to get the ball into a cup. The game is called cup-and-ball. (photo by Nicole Bowman-Layton)***

The evening was more than just supply distribution. From backpacks to a bounce house, to visiting cars from various agencies, to kids’ games hosted by Historic Edenton State Historic Sites, the event created an atmosphere of celebration and community fellowship. Families enjoyed an evening filled with what this eyewitness would describe as “love and laughter” while students received essential school supplies and support.

A highlight of the evening came when Mayor Hackney High and several other adults took rides in the Town of Edenton’s Electric Department bucket truck, providing a unique perspective of the festivities below. Children and families also had the chance to enjoy free popcorn, hot dogs and drinks. There were various vehicles from the Edenton Fire Department, Edenton Police Department, Edenton Electric Department, Chowan County EMS, State Highway Patrol, and an Edenton-Chowan Schools bus.

A bucket truck elevates workers above tree branches against a clear blue sky, providing a unique view of the surroundings. — ***Edenton Mayor Hackney High takes photos of downtown from the Electric Department’s bucket truck. (photo by Nicole Bowman-Layton)***

Community Partnership in Action

The event’s success stemmed from collaboration between local government, schools, businesses, and faith communities. Key organizing partners included Megan Weiss with the Town of Edenton, Susan Creed with the Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce, Ches Chesson and Timmy Turner with Main Street Edenton, Erienne Mizell with Chowan Tourism and Development, and Danea Lassiter and Tanya Blount with Edenton-Chowan Schools.

Public safety played a crucial role, with Chief David LaFon from the Edenton Police Department and Chief Billy Bass from the Town of Edenton Fire Department among those in attendance. Firemen, police officers, and town employees provided essential logistics support before and after the event, moving heavy boxes of supplies from collection points to Edenton United Methodist Church, where they were sorted and packed. They were then carried to the park for distribution by each Edenton-Chowan School – Team WOW (White Oak and DF Walker Elementary Schools), Chowan Middle School and John A. Holmes High School.

Superintendent Tammy Ward was present at a table giving out district-themed items and talking with students and parents alike.

Community Steps Up

Local churches and organizations demonstrated remarkable generosity, both in supplying backpacks and school supplies and in providing volunteer labor to pack the bags. Participating organizations included Access Point Church, American Legion Post 40, Edenton Baptist Church, Edenton United Methodist Church, Open Door Church, Providence Baptist Church, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Edenton United Methodist Church also provided facilities for preparation work.

***Rosie Overton, with Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, talks to a family during the event (photo by Nicole Bowman-Layton)***

Community Organizations Provide Resources

Multiple community service organizations set up information booths and provided resources to families. ECU Health-Chowan Hospital contributed supplies, while other participating organizations included NCWorks, the Marcus Jackson Project, Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, Trillium, and the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation.

Looking Forward

The overwhelming success has organizers already planning for next year. The Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation is encouraging additional organizations and individuals to get involved, with planning for the 2025 event beginning soon.

“This is how every event should be,” organizers reflected. “What a wonderful night celebrating our students and fellowshipping with each other.”

Town of Edenton officials noted that the event exemplified the community’s commitment to fostering an environment “that respects diversity, encourages dialogue, and evolves toward greater inclusivity and understanding.”

The Community-Strong Back to School event serves as a reminder that when communities unite around education, students benefit not only from material support but also from the knowledge that their entire community is invested in their success.

Organizations interested in participating in next year’s event are encouraged to contact the Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation to begin planning for another evening of community strength and student support.

The photos in the gallery below can be clicked on to show a full image.