Wellpoint Tennessee, Emerald Youth host Back-To-School Bash
By Ken Lay
In an event that resembled both a career day and a street fair, the Emerald Youth Foundation partnered with Wellpoint Tennessee for a Back-To-School Bash Friday afternoon at the Haslam-Sansom Ministry Complex on Texas Avenue.
The event signaled the end of Emerald’s summer program as students at Emerald Academy are slated to return to school today.
“This is a special day because this is the last day for us, and we want to get the students excited about going back to school,” said EYF’s Ciara Reynolds. “We have some great partners.”
Several local businesses and community organizations were on hand to provide consultation and services to students and parents in Knoxville’s inner city.
The Boy Scouts of America, the Boys and Girls Club, Emerald Youth Foundation, UT Medical Center, The Joy of Music School, the Wesley House, Nourish Knoxville. Pellissippi State, Roane State Community College Youth Villages and Catholic Charities were among the sponsors for the event that was conceived to provide back packs, school supplies, clothing, health screenings and mental health assistance to the students and parents.
But there were also activities such as face painting and games. Parents also had the opportunity to win door prizes.
“This is the first event like this that we’ve done in Knoxville,” said Monica Oliver, Wellpoint Knoxville’s Director of Members and Strategic Partnerships. “This is the second one of these that we’ve done.
“We were in Johnson City last night, and we’re here in Knoxville today. Next weekend, we’ll be in Jackson and in Memphis.
“I’m grateful to the Emerald Youth Foundation and all of our great partners.”
Parents could also seek information about special education from Arc.
Stephen Woodward of Youth Villages was on hand to provide information about fostering and adoption.
“We have a high need for foster parents, and I’m here to provide information about fostering and adoption,” Woodward said.
Dr. Tony Wooley and Anthony Hussey from The Joy of Music School provided students the opportunity to play musical instruments.
“This is our musical petting zoo,” Hussey said. “The kids can play instruments, and we’ll show them the proper way to hold the sticks and the proper way to hold the guitars.
Licensed massage therapist Ronnie Glenn provided massages for parents and students.
“I started my own business because I worked in the medical field in the operating room,” Glenn said.
“People in the medical field used to come and see me for stress. Everybody is stressed. These parents are under stress and these students are under stress and the stress always goes to your neck and shoulders. When I found out about this, I had to come.”
