Originally posted in The Rawlings-Blake Review, Issue #173

It’s that time of year again—back to school time. It’s a a great opportunity for a fresh start, as kids all over the city begin a new school year. I want to help students, parents, and guardians start the school year on the right track, and I invite you to join me tomorrow at my annual Back-to-School Rally.

In addition to live entertainment and exciting speakers, the annual Back-to-School Rally provides many of the resources that students need to be successful as they return to school. I am thrilled that each year, we can host a fun and exciting event that ensures that our kids are able to have a great school year. I will be joined by Konan of 92Q, Baltimore Ravens mascot Poe, and other special surprise guests, and the rally is definitely going to be a lot of fun.

School-aged children can receive backpacks, vaccinations, and school supplies, while they last. The rally will also feature exhibitors, city agencies, and various organizations offering valuable information and resources. Attendees will receive a “hall pass” when they arrive and can get a stamp on their hall pass by talking to exhibitors. Hall passes with eight stamps can be exchanged for a free backpack filled with school supplies.

I am grateful to our sponsors, without whom this rally would not be possible: Comcast, The Abell Foundation, BGE, Wells Fargo, Wal-Mart, Beatty Development Group, LLC, The McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Greater Baltimore, Shop Rite, KRA, State Farm, and The Family League of Baltimore, Inc. Additional support is provided by Baltimore Housing, the Baltimore City Health Department, 92Q, City Schools, Magic 95.9, the Mario Do Right Foundation, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Rho Tau Lambda Chapter, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Alpha Alpha Sigma Chapter, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Rho Xi Omega Chapter.

The Back-to-School rally will take place Saturday, August 17, from noon to 4:00 pm at War Memorial Plaza, in front of City Hall. Please join us, and make this school year your best year yet!