“The 'Back to School/Stay in School Rally' not only kicks-off the school year, it lets kids know that there is an organization supporting them,” explains Tamara Norman, the education chairperson of Ellenville's NAACP branch. “We encourage kids who are in school to stay there, and those who aren't to go back,” she adds.

Back to School/Stay in School is a nationwide NAACP program, which began over twenty-two years ago. The program's objective is to prepare young people for school, by providing them the support and tools necessary to succeed. The Ellenville branch of the NAACP hosted its second annual rally last weekend at the Berme Road Park in Ellenville.

Dozens of area students showed up at the park for the rally. Hamburgers and hot dogs, prepared by Reverend Raymond Younger, were served for lunch, and afterwards school supplies were distributed.

Last year the school supplies were provided by the NAACP; this year the items, which included backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, and more, were donated to the organization by Matthew's Pharmacy.

Rosetta Knight, an Ellenville Elementary School student who attended the event last year, was excited to be back. “Last year I got a book bag, pencils, and other stuff,” she says, “This year I'd like colored pencils or a pencil sharpener.” Knight is entering fourth grade this September.

“We're really focusing on getting the kids involved,” says Maude Bruce, president of Ellenville's NAACP.

In addition to school supplies and refreshments, the NAACP provided voter-registration information, as well as membership applications.

The rally's organizers expect that the event, in its second year, will become a tradition and will continue to grow.

“We're glad to see the community becoming involved,” says Bruce, “This year's rally has been a success.”

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