Three-time Super Bowl champ Kenny “The Shark” Gant grabbed the mic on the stage just outside the west entrance of AT&T Stadium.
“Let’s kick off this school year right!” he told the thousands of students and families gathered at Arlington ISD’s annual Back to School Kickoff event on Saturday.
Inside, one fifth grader, Coles, was getting perhaps the most unique start to the school year ever. Not only was he getting his haircut in the stadium’s west concourse with a view of where the Dallas Cowboys play football, he was getting his haircut live on CBS 11.
The CBS reporter was interviewing Coles’ stylist, a senior from Bowie High School and a cosmetology student at the Arlington ISD Career + Technical Center. Alysaa Davila was one of about 50 cosmetology students giving out hundreds of back-to-school haircuts.
Near the haircut station was the main attraction – where students picked out free backpacks full of school supplies.
Four-year-old Inoaaya – now a “big girl” – was very excited to get her own backpack.
“I’m going to save it for big-girl school,” she said.
Making sure every student got the backpack color they wanted were dozens of volunteers led by a group from North Davis Church of Christ.
“We just enjoy being out among other organizations, other churches, other partners, and blessing the city together. That’s what it’s all about,” said Jeff Hubbard, preaching minister at North Davis Church of Christ. “We want the students to start strong, we want them to feel good, we want them to have the supplies they need. And for us, that’s just a way for us to love like Jesus loved.”
The volunteers helping distribute backpacks were just a portion of nearly 800 who showed up Saturday morning and braved the heat to serve students and their families. In addition to backpacks and haircuts, many students also received free shoes, free vision screenings, and free dental screenings. Plus, a vendor fair with 100 community partners offered resources and support. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders showed up, too, encouraging kids to have a great school year.
“It’s just great to see the continued commitment from all of these partners and then the families getting up early on a Saturday morning and coming out and seeking opportunities for resources and ways that they can help their child,” said Aaron Perales, Arlington ISD executive director of family and community engagement.
The Arlington ISD Back to School Kickoff is only possible thanks to the dedication and support of our volunteers and sponsors.
Arlington ISD Back to School Kickoff Sponsors
Touchdown Sponsor
Gene and Jerry Jones Family Arlington Youth Foundation
Interception Sponsors
United Healthcare
HEB Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust
First Down Sponsors
North Davis Church of Christ
Texas Trust
SpawGlass
Field Goal Sponsors
BluSource
Gospel City Church
JCPenney
Rush Creek Church
Super Fan Sponsors
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.R, Xi Theta Omega Chapter
Arlington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
City of Arlington
Cook Children’s Health Plan
Fielder Church
Medical City Arlington
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
Founding Partners
Junior League of America
Churches of Arlington
Salvation Army Youth Education Town
NAACP Arlington Texas Branch