Back-to-school jamboree at IUN entertains hundreds

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Kyree Jones, 10, left, dances to the music as he makes his way down the hallway during the event Saturday.

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Grayson Williams, 4, left, chases after his sister Genesis Williams, 9, after she stole his ball during the jamboree hosted by IU Northwest, previously organized by Indiana State Rep. Vernon Smith. After many years of involvement, Smith elected to transition the event to IU Northwest. John Smierciak/Post Tribune photos

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By Maya Wilkins Post-Tribune

Dorothy Frink expected about 200 people to attend Indiana University Northwest’s back-to-school jamboree Saturday, but by noon, the event had already surpassed that number.

“It feels really great,” said Frink, the university’s interim vice chancellor for enrollment management and student affairs. “Parents are bringing their children here because it’s a great time and fun for the community. Plus, in Gary, there’s not a lot of places you can go and have activities like this for free.”

IUN hosted the 22nd annual back-to-school jamboree Saturday. State Rep. Vernon Smith started the event, but he’s transferred the event organization and sponsorship to the university.

The back-to-school jamboree offers local educational resources and activities, including a basketball tournament, video games and face painting. The event is free to attend.

This year, the event expanded into the campus’ student center, where people could participate in bowling or a backpack giveaway.“I’m just excited to see people come out,” Frink said. “This was a transitional year, and knowing that (Smith) was exiting, we were a little concerned. But I think we’ve done him proud.”

Smith still participated in planning the back-to-school jamboree but in more of an advising role, he said. The event was created to celebrate education, and Smith is excited that IUN wants to continue it without him.

“We needed something where we could celebrate education, and it could become important to the young citizens in this area,” Smith said. “This was supposed to get those who dropped out to go back and continue your education, and to get those who are in school to do their best to achieve and show excellence in education.”

Smith’s favorite part of the back-to-school jamboree is the basketball tournament it hosts. He also likes seeing community members come together for education.

Although the event is hosted on IUN’s campus, Frink said it’s open to anyone.

Tina Commer attended the back-to-school jamboree with her daughter and aunt, Gwen Eubanks. The three learned about the event from an announcement sent by the second grader’s school.

Commer’s daughter wanted to go for the games and food, but Commer liked the free resources and the backpack giveaway, which included a notebook, paper and pens.

“I think it’s great to do something like this,” she said.

Chinita Carpenter went to the back-to-school jamboree with her niece, nephews and granddaughters. She hadn’t been to the event and discovered it through the kids’ schools.

Carpenter brought them because her niece wanted to play volleyball, but she found something for everyone.

“The kids like the games,” Carpenter said. “I also wanted to get some school supplies and see what was going on in the community.”

One community resource available was Gary Alumni Pathway to Students, a nonprofit organization started in 2016 by local public school alumni. The group helps connect students and families with local opportunities or resources.

Rashida Bennett said GAPS was at the back-to-school jamboree to build up community engagement.

“We want to connect with parents because right now this is youth-oriented,” Bennett said. “This was a great opportunity for us to see and meet the kids, but also to meet the parents.”

This was the local group’s first time at the event, but Bennett said they try to attend everything that will help their group and the community.

Without community help, some students can’t thrive, said Lisa Bennett, another member of GAPS.

“All of us who are on the board and who work in GAPS know what were the fundamental building blocks for us to be successful in our careers,” she said. “We do what we can to make sure that we’re able to support the youth in the community.”

mwilkins@chicagotribune.com