Prayers and praise music surrounded Academy Park in Minden Saturday as the community gathered to ask the Heavenly Father to watch over the school children for the coming year.

Teachers, administrators and support personnel were also covered in prayer as were the local government, law enforcement, EMS and fire departments.

Michael & Chequella Walker thank everyone that came or watched the 11th annual event. 

“Without the  community support we couldn’t do it,” Walker said. “We also would like to thank the donated backpacks from Dan Weaver, Ward Marshal; GBT Bank; Yocom law firm; Eric Johnson, attorney at law; and Delta Sorority group.”

Walker also thanked Chris Plants and Rev Prescott Thomas for “those powerful prayers.”

Special thanks to Gary Swanson and Clifford Williams for the great music.

Fire Chief Brian Williams and Minden Fire Department signed up residents in need of free smoke alarms, which will be distributed to those who registered as soon as they are received.

Webster Junior High principal Anthony Kennedy and assistant principal Deric Harrison were introduced for the coming school year.

Walmart supplied all the refreshments and goody bags.

“Last but not least thank you to my wife Chequella Walker who is always behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly.” Walker said.

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