End-of-school event celebrates unity
By Steve Herring
Published in News on June 27, 2018 5:50 AM
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Leslie Blue plays corn hole during the end-of-school celebration.
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Peyton Memmelaar, left, and Baker Sumner wait for the popcorn to finish popping.
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Jaylyn Bowden blows bubbles during the end-of-school celebration at Westbrook Park.
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There was plenty of shade and a cool breeze at Westbrook Park for the end-of-school celebration sponsored by the Men of Faith, Integrity and Character in Mount Olive.
And while the turnout was not as high as expected, possibly because of temperatures in the mid-90s on Saturday, the event was still a success, said Al Southerland, Men of FIC president.
That success included bringing together a variety of local groups for what Southerland called Operation Community Unity.
"The more we work together as a community, the more united we will be," he said.
Also participating were the Rotary Club, All the King's Children, Carver Alumni Association and Friends, Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce, The Bridge church, Concerned Citizens Committee, Unity and American Legion.
There was free food including hot dogs and drinks, popcorn, pickles and frozen treats.
Games included corn hole, duck pickup and a Hula-Hoop competition.
Each child was automatically registered for prizes that included McDonald's gift cards, fans and even scooters.
All of the items were donated.
There were blood pressure and blood sugar checks.
Groups from across the area also were asked to submit a list of upcoming activities that were placed in a calendar that was handed out during the event.
"We are having a celebration for the end of school, trying to show kids that we appreciate their efforts in schools," Southerland said.
"We made this (calendar) up for them so that families can look at this and find things. Almost any day during the summer they can find something to do. Everything that is in here is free."
The idea was to get the calendars into the hands of adults to have around the house to ensure the children are exposed to the events in it, he said.
"I think the more we get the word out about the things that we are going to have, the better," Southerland said. "All of it leads up to the back-to-school celebration that we have when we give the book bags out.
"We tried to get as many entities as possible together to help the kids and show them that we care and help them get their mind right for the summer."
The high temperature is something that could be taken into planning for the next event, Southerland said.
For example instead of holding it from 2 to 6 p.m., maybe start at 6 p.m., he said.
But even with the heat, a number of children showed up and had a good time, Southerland said.
"The entities that showed up gave away a lot of great things," he said. "We had a good day. It has been good."
Southerland said he was hopeful the event would help prepare everyone to have a positive summer.
For more information, contact Southerland at al.southerland @yahoo.com or 919-394-0198.