'Stay in School' rally Tuesday at St. Mark Church
By Staff Reports
Published in News on August 12, 2009 1:46 PM
The STOP the Funeral Initiative Covenant partners, friends and community leaders are inviting the Wayne County community to join their third annual NAACP "Back to School, Stay in School Rally."
St. Mark Church at 700 W. Ash St. will again be host to the event, in the church fellowship hall on Tuesday from 6-9 p.m.
Last year, more than 300 young people and their parents attended.
The "Back to School, Stay in School" program is designed to prepare and inspire young people to graduate high school.
Founded in 1984, the program is composed of more than 30 sites located at churches, schools and community centers across the nation.
Bishop Alvin A. Smith, pastor of St. Mark Church of Christ, said he expects more than 40 Covenant partner churches and their youth will participate in this year's event.
The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, president of North Carolina NAACP, issued a statement encouraging all Wayne County students to "come out for the fun."
Obtaining a high-quality education is a fundamental goal the NAACP has always strongly supported, leaders say.
The event will include empowering workshops for parents and students, entertainment and a back-to-school pep rally.
There also will be prizes, games and refreshments, and students will receive school supplies as well.
The Stop the Funeral Initiative is a collaborative effort of Rebuilding Broken Places, CDC, The Goldsboro/Wayne Branch-NAACP and the Wayne County Faith Community.
For more information, contact Lauren Grantham at St. Mark Church at (919) 735-3934 or Francine Smith, program manager at Rebuilding Broken Places CDC, at (919) 581-9178, ext.104.