BUCKEYE BASH — Tucker Taylor, a third-grader at Buckeye West Elementary School in Adena, took turns jumping on the Bungee Race inflatable during Buckeye Local’s annual Back-to-School Bash, held Sunday. An estimated 1,000 students and family members attended the event, which offered free school supplies, music, entertainment activities and community resources. Opening day for most Buckeye students will be Aug. 21. Preschool and kindergarten will begin the following week. -- Contributed

CONNORVILLE — Officials in the Buckeye Local School District welcomed students to another new school year during the district’s annual Back-to-School Bash, held Aug. 3. Hundreds of students and family members gathered outside Buckeye Local Junior/Senior High School in Connorville, where they received free school supplies, learned about community resources, and enjoyed inflatables and summertime treats. The Panther high school band and cheerleaders kicked off the festivities, playing the national anthem, the school’s fight song and other musical selections.

Students collected backpacks and cinch sacks which contained school supplies from their respective principals. The radio station WOMP-FM provided music, as many students were awarded prizes. Those in attendance had the opportunity to cool off by eating products from Dairy Jean and Kona Ice. Members of the Class of 2028 sold hot dogs and lemonade.

Among the vendors were the Cub Scouts, J.B. Green Team, Jefferson County Farm Bureau, Warren Township and Adena Lions clubs, Meadowbrook Church of God, JCC and EGCC, Brilliant American Legion, Tiltonsville Tabernacle, Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County, Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, the district’s Extended Learning Center, Buckeye Local Classroom Teachers Association, Yorkville VFW, West Elementary PTO, North Elementary, Alpha Delta Kappa, Lady Panthers basketball team, BLHS volleyball team, district transportation department, Jefferson County Juvenile Task Force, the Yorkville and Tiltonsville Volunteer Fire departments and EMS, Jefferson County Special Response Team, Family Recovery Center, Jefferson County Health Department and Nutrition, Inc.

Members of the football team participated in the bash, as the school preps for its fall sporting events. Students received the chance to make changes to their schedule. Free haircuts were offered to students from volunteer stylists.

Organizer Susan Nolan, principal at Buckeye North, stated the bash has been held for more than a decade. She noted approximately 1,000 people turned out for the event.

“We gave out 320 bags to the kids, and there was at least one parent with them,” Nolan stated. “Little ones didn’t get bags because they are not in school,” she said. “It’s been amazing and we’re just thankful for all of the community helpers and donations.”

Support is what helps make the bash possible each year, Nolan commented. Supporters included school staff, administrators, parents and community members.

In addition to the vendors on hand, Nolan cited those who provided monetary donations, supplies or door prizes for the bash, including Wheeler Funeral Home, Brilliant Lions Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles in Dillonvale, Zeroski’s Excavating, Packer’s Orchard, Bodnar’s Florist, Brilliant United Methodist Church, Borkoski Funeral Home, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Marsili’s Restaurant, Piney Fork Post 735 American Legion and Auxiliary, Short Creek Sportsman’s Club, Laneve Enterprises Super C, Yorkville Methodist Church, Indian Club of Tiltonsville, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Rayland Methodist Church, Rivers Landing, Yorkville VFW Ohio Charities and Wells Township Police.

Superintendent Coy Sudvary said he was grateful for the “beautiful weather and strong turnout,” calling the bash a success.

“We have a lot of school supplies and resources,” Sudvary stated. “We appreciate all of the community resources that turned out to provide free items, supplies and food to our students. Mrs. Nolan does a great job and we appreciate her hard work every year.”

Younger attendees voiced their thoughts on the bash, including Emerson Stenger, a third-grader who attends Buckeye North.

“I liked the bouncy castles,” Stenger said, noting he is ready to go back to school.

Camden Bell, who will be a sixth-grader, said he is still enjoying her summer break, but was happy to be at the bash and enjoy its offerings. Like Stenger, Bell said he enjoyed the inflatables and games, as well as watching his siblings perform in the band.

The new school year begins for most of the students Aug. 21. Kindergarteners will return Aug. 25, while preschool classes head back Aug. 27.