Provided by Prince William County Schools (PWCS)
Volunteers at Hampton Middle School provided backpacks for 250 students at the start of the school year. The students are still smiling about the new backpacks they received during their school’s family backpack giveaway. Eighth-grader Nicholas Casis spoke at the Oct. 3 School Board meeting, along with Principal Jehovani Mitchell, to thank the army of volunteers who made the family day a blockbuster event. Families were greeted with rows upon rows of backpacks in the school’s cafeteria.
The Brothers of Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity collaborated with other partners, including 100 Black Men and Youth in Action Network to solicit donations of backpacks.
At the event, students attended hands-on STEM labs which simulated the creation of football helmets, and performed detailed 3-D data analysis on computers. Sun Trust Bank provided financial literacy education and materials to parents and students on tips for saving and preparing families for college savings. Michael Frazier, Omega U Chairman, talked to students and family members about Omega U mentoring and signed up students to participate this year.
“Such activities support the education of students and ensure that students are well prepared for the start of the school year,” Casis said.
The event included motivational speakers who encouraged students to pursue excellence, be responsible, and demonstrate leadership. Speakers included Dr. George M. Hampton, who has been a member of the Pi Lambda Lambda chapter for decades; School Board Vice Chairman Lillie Jessie (Occoquan); and School Board member Diane Raulston (Neabsco).
“We greatly appreciate the contributions from our partners,” said Principal Mitchell. “They make a difference in providing resources for our students and supporting our mission, which is to holistically educate all students in a positive educational environment, challenge all students to reach high standards, and to assist them in evolving into lifelong learners and responsible, open-minded citizens of the world. Once we have touched the life of a child, the impact is evident in their journey to success.”
