Skool-A-Palooza Overwhelming Success for First Year

By: Jaclyn Hall

Hundreds of community members gathered at the Travis Solomon Lacrosse Box, located in Generations Park, to take part in the Akwesasne' 1st Skool-A-Palooza in Akwesasne. The back to school event took place on Thursday, August 22nd, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.

Skool-A-Palooza was organized by the Akwesasne Coalition for Community Empowerment and host to numerous organizations and schools who were set up and ready to answer any questions during the event. Parents and students had the opportunity to learn about bus safety and the different programs within Akwesasne. Students were invited to get a free haircut and free school supplies during the event.

"The idea came from Massena, I worked there last year, and they have a community school model which pretty much mimics what the community of Akwesasne does and has done forever. When I came back to work in Akwesasne, I thought "this needs to happen here". Most importantly, having this event here, it's providing all the relationships that happen every day at school. Having the school supports here from both sides of the border, from the northern and southern side, that's what the community needs.", stated, organizer, Jodele Hammock.

An overwhelming amount of school supplies were donated by the community, making the event a huge success. Students of all ages left the event with almost all of the school supplies they could possibly need for the upcoming school year.