By Lynn Schofer

The ARK’s 11th Annual Back to School Jamboree and Backpack Giveaway was held on Saturday in Janosik Park in Laurel. The park was filled with local volunteers handing out school supplies, providing information on available services, cooking hamburgers, and encouraging everyone to have fun.

The program leader and founder Joyce Sessoms, a retired school counselor, said she could not in good conscience stay home in retirement and said the Lord called her to help the children. Sessoms told her husband, Furman Sessoms, about her calling and with his support opened the Ark Educational Resource Center in October 2012.

Sessoms said with minimal resources and her faith in God, the local community members came forward with donations and volunteerism. The ARK, through volunteers and donations is able to provide a free service in one on one tutoring and Sessoms said because of the individualized attention, the students flourish.

Sessoms also said she is inspired by the author and educator Marva Collins who worked in Chicago City School District. Collins opened a preparatory school in 1975 because she was not satisfied with the educations in both private and public schools. Sessoms said Collins saw the brilliance in the failing black students and the preparatory school accepted expelled, labeled failures, deemed unteachable children and she said “There is a brilliant child locked up inside every student.”

Lauren Norman and her children Layla Norman, 5; Damari Norman Edwards, 7; and Delynn Norman Edwards, 4, collect a goodie bag from The Mission Community Church at 11th Annual Back to School Jamboree in Laurel

Sessoms said she believes, “There is something in the students that they are brilliant at and that is what we try to dig out and discover to encourage to do what they were created to do.”

Sessoms said they all love what they do and it would never happen without the sponsors and volunteers. “We together have happily served the community,” she said.

Furman Sessoms said, “Look around they are smiling and having a good time, which is what we are all about.”

Joyce Sessoms said, “We serve every student in Sussex County and the Lord planted us here in Laurel. This is where the need is and the Lord knows what is best.”

The jamboree has its purpose to take some weight off parents as they prepare their children to return to the classroom.

“We give school supplies and as costs are mounting each year, parents may have several children, this is a supplement to help parents. This is a day of celebration and give back packs and all feel excited,” she said.

The event this year handed out over 300 backpacks to students, which was made possible by the sponsors for the event that included Central Worship, Vital Church, Crossroad Community Church, Above & Beyond Services, Pilgrims Ministry of Deliverance, United Way of Delaware, The Martin A, Feldman Foundation, and AFH.

“The day is filled with resources, free food, games, music, fun, handouts, and of course the backpacks. It is a true blessing to have these sponsors who support us every year,” said Joyce Sessoms.

Sessoms believes ARK has identified and is addressing a need, “Our kids are graduating and cannot read, we are not here to bash any school district or point a finger, it is all about helping a child become what God has intended them to be in this world. Educating our students is so important to me.”

Sessoms is also an author of the books, “High School Grand Slam” that are for both for the student and for the parent.

“When eighth graders enter high school, the majority are unsure of expectations and many misunderstand all the requirements. If confused, they have to play catch-up. The books, one for students and one for parents, provide the map to navigate high school,” she said.

The books are available on both Amazon and at Barnes and Noble. The ARK Educational Resource Center is on East Front Street in Laurel and is online at arkeducation.org.