‘Back2School’ celebration helps families

Published 8:30 am Friday, August 1, 2025

The idea was to make sure students had what they needed by the time the first day rolls around next week. And to do that, a number of organizations came together on Saturday, July 26, providing school supplies for more than 225 students from Lunenburg, Charlotte, Prince Edward, Cumberland, Amelia and Nottoway counties.

“I love my community! It’s always better when we work together,” said Louis Gould III, who helped organize the event.

Gould is a history teacher at Prince Edward Middle School, but that’s just one of several hats he wears at the facility. He’s also the school’s boys basketball coach and runs their track and field program too.

For this project, Gould also brought in support from another project he runs, the Fresh Boyz Club, a nonprofit youth mentorship program. The Club worked with its sister operation, the Fresh Girlz Club, The Fit Academy, The Moton Museum, Farmville Health and Rehab, JayK Cooks, the Prince Edward Department of Social Services, Southside Family YMCA, No Label, Farmville Parks and Recreation, FACES Food Pantry, the Kappa Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Prince Edward’s Kids. They handed out 3-subject notebooks, composition books, markers, colored pencils, crayons, regular pencils and other supplies, so that families won’t have to spend as much and students will be ready for the first day of class.

The event was held at Prince Edward Middle School, where students and their families got more than supplies. Local barber Cleon Watkins was also on site, providing free haircuts to get students looking sharp for the first day of school. Families were also able to get free food as well.

“With events like these, it’s clear that the foundation for student success isn’t just built in the classroom — it’s built through the care and collaboration of an entire community,” Gould said.

A TIME TO READ

Other members of the Prince Edward school district got involved as well on Saturday. Among the highlights of the day was a visit from the Prince Edward Reading Bus, courtesy of Amy Newcomb McClure and Kelly Hausman Morgan, who made story time a mobile experience. Children eagerly boarded the bus, enjoying books and literacy activities in a fun and welcoming setting.

Also, new district superintendent Chip Jones dropped by, speaking with both students and parents.

“His presence underscored the district’s commitment to community engagement and student success,” Gould said.

The event was made even more impactful thanks to the efforts of local educators. Middle school teachers Barbara Deeds Rice, Jenny Stanley, and Kacey Whorley volunteered their time, lending a helping hand and connecting with families. Their support was a reminder of the powerful bond between teachers and their community.

Behind the grill, Tonyetta Ross, Le’Tierra Mosby, and Kay MoNai kept everyone well-fed and energized throughout the day.

“Teamwork always makes the dream work,” Gould said. “It’s always great when we are able to get together to give back to so many.”