2017 Gary Back-to-School Jamboree set for Sat., Sept. 9

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) said the Back-to-School Jamboree will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 9, on the Indiana University Northwest (IU Northwest) campus.

“The Back-to-School Jamboree has become a popular, family tradition in Northwest Indiana,” said Dr. Smith, an education professor at IU Northwest. “It is a celebration of a new school year and all of the educational adventures available to these students. However, when one is young, school does not always seem exciting. It is a lot of hard work, but by planting the seeds of knowledge, one can harvest a lifetime of opportunity.

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a champion of education,” added Dr. Smith. “On the importance of education, Dr. King wrote, ‘Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction. The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.’ Education is not only critical for the development of the individual, but also essential for positive development of society.”

Dr. Smith said the Back-to-School Jamboree will feature activities for students of all ages, including the ever popular three-on-three basketball tournament. The contest will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Savannah Hall Gymnasium on the IU Northwest campus. Dr. Smith urged teams to register early to secure a position. The early registration fee is still only $30. Application forms can be obtained by visiting the Beautiful Things store at 3570 Village Court in Gary or by calling Dr. Smith at 887-2046.

The film festival is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside Savannah Hall Auditorium. Dancing will be from noon to 5 p.m. with a DJ providing the music. In addition, there will be a video game tournament, a dance contest, and a double-Dutch jump-rope competition.

A drawing contest, along with face painting and finger painting, will be offered for the younger children.

Area agencies will have exhibit booths and pass out information about what those organizations offer students. Booths will be available for rental to groups that offer youth services or have products to sell. Dr. Smith may be contacted at 887-2046 for additional information about booth rentals.

The Back-to-School Jamboree is sponsored by Dr. Smith; the African-American Achievers Youth Corps, Inc.; the I.U. Dons, Inc.; Indiana University Northwest; Haywood & Flemings Associates Insurance Agency; the Gary Crusader; the 411 News; Geminus Corporation; Fresh County Market; King Milan Barber Shop; Familia Dental; Centier Bank; MetroPCS; the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males; and the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.