Back-to-school event, ‘School-The Right Aid for an Education’

The 24th annual back-to-school program, sponsored by Parents Out Reach, Black Men Make a Difference and National Association of University Women, was held Saturday morning at the Southeast Neighborhood Center in Eunice.
The event began at 10 a.m. with a program of musical selections, readings, greetings, and a guest speaker, Coach Donald Frank of Mamou.
The event also supplied school children with gently used and new school uniforms and school supplies, donated by many local individuals, churches, organizations, sheriff and city personnel, NAUW Branch Eunice, St. Mathilda Kinights of Peter Claver Council 92, Socialite Club of Eunice, and Zeta Amicae of Opelousas.
Coach Donald Frank, a former fifth-through eighth-grade teacher at Mamou High, and coach of 38 years was the motivational speaker. He also serves as a dentention coordinator.
Frank, a Mamou High School and Southern University graduate, and father of five adult children, extended a welcome to the audience, and talked to the “younger” children about school.
Frank encouraged children to become a positive not a negative role model in school.
He also stressed that school can become a learning and social success in one’s life. “Teachers can lead students to become a positive success in their lives. Social skills are also learned at school, and this too can attribute to positive success.
Frank encouraged students to become involved at school. “You can learn to have fun and become involved in social activities at school.”
Frank told the children that attending school is important. “Education is very important. What would you become if you did not earn an education?
“An education is a privilege. Earning an education will help you to become responsible.
Frank said, “Come to school with a passion to learn. Prepare your mind to learn.”
“Dream big. Your dream can become real. Our country needs more doctors, nurses, lawyers, judges.. and only by earning an education, your dream can become real.
Frank told the group of becoming successful, “Respect yourself. Respect your teachers. Represent your school with the highest respect.”
“Students, make right choices at school. Commit yourself everyday to do your best.”