Students get ready for classes at Elmwood Back to School bash
By Kirsten Ballard
Published in News on August 23, 2015 1:50 AM
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News-Argus/STEVE HERRING
Nakirra Johnson, 4, and Zaire Graham, 7, spend some time with police Officer Michael Rivers at the Elmwood Community Back to School Bash hosted by the Goldsboro Housing Authority.
AréOnna Middleton wants to be a doctor.
She announced this to the crowd at the Elmwood Community Back to School Bash hosted by the Goldsboro Housing Authority.
The crowd applauded her dream and encouraged her to keep her eyes on her goal.
The 7-year-old has had her career path set since she was in pre-K.
"I want to be able to help my mom and dad," she said.
She is ready to get back to school and continue her education in the second grade.
Her favorite class is music because she gets to sing and dance.
She also got to dance at the Back to School Bash. Popular dance songs entertained the guests on Thursday afternoon.
Goldsboro police Officer Michael Rivers surprised everyone with his moves. He joined the crowd for "Watch Me (Whip and Naenae)."
"I learned (the moves) in high school," he said.
He participated in the tug-of-war, laughingly taking on hoards of children.
Elmwood property manager Belinda Ashby grabbed the other side of the rope to help the younger participants take down Rivers. It took more than 10 people, but he eventually was beaten.
This is Ms. Ashby's first year hosting the event.
"It's an event for the parent and the child," she said. "I'm just glad the rain held off."
The community event provided entertainment, food and school uniforms to the residents of Elmwood. Balloons and Clowns Company did face-painting and balloon animals.
The adults were able to register for community services. At the uniform distribution tent, parents could sign up for notifications of community events like resume workshops and GED classes.
Jacqueline Kannan of the Goldsboro Housing Authority said they gave out 150 uniforms to the developments this year.
"We're here to engage with residents and partner with the community," she said.
Erin Edmundson, 9, can't wait to get back to school. She will be going to fourth grade at Spring Creek Elementary.
She is still back-to-school shopping, but is ready to use her brand new folder with a big heart on the front.
Her favorite subject is math.
"I like adding and subtracting," she said.
For 11-year-old Johnathon Edwards, it is all about reading.
"I'm ready to learn new stuff," he said.
He has continued to read all summer and tackled "Stuart Little" recently.
He attends Northwest Elementary and was helping out at the Community Development Corp. booth.
Shonta Cox was handing out uniforms across the lawn from the CDC tent.
The uniforms were from Old Navy. Boys received blue polo shirts and khaki shorts while girls got pink shirts and khaki shorts. Children attending North Drive, Carver Heights and School Street are required to wear the uniforms.
"Everyone is excited," she said. "The kids are excited to be going back to school."