Crab Orchard welcomes students back to school
Published 6:11 pm Friday, August 25, 2023
Crab Orchard city officials pass out new backpacks to students as they prepare to start their first day of school. Photo by Abigail Roberts
Crab Orchard Elementary students receive a new bag before starting their first day of school. City Clerk Nancy Baker passes out bags, compliments of the City of Crab Orchard. Photo by Abigail Roberts
Longtime magistrate and local business owner Lonnie Pruitt passes out back packs on the first day of school. Photo by Abigail Roberts
Lincoln County Magistrate Dan Gutenson hands out new back packs as COES teacher Denise Bastin welcomes students for their first day of school. Photo by Abigail Roberts
Constable Mike Mullins hands out new backpacks as Crab Orchard students return to school. Photo by Abigail Roberts
Crab Orchard City Clerk Nancy Baker and City Commissioner Mike Eldridge prepare to welcome Crab Orchard Elementary students back to school with a brand new bag. Photo by Abigail Roberts
Crab Orchard Fire Chief Larry Owsley, right, and City Commissioner Mike Eldridge prepare to hand out gifts to Crab Orchard students on the first day of school. Photo courtesy of Denis Bastin
Crab Orchard Police Chief Jimmy Gipson hands out fist bumps for returning students. Photo by Abigail Roberts
By Abigail Roberts
Correspondent
CRAB ORCHARD – August is a time that Crab Orchard community leaders look forward to each year because it means it’s time to welcome students back to school.
As Crab Orchard Elementary students stepped off the bus for their first day of school, they were greeted by various community leaders as they entered the building and given a gift to start the year off right.
It’s the community’s way of showing support to students and staff, said Crab Orchard City Clerk Nancy Baker.
“For the past 4 years, the community leaders of the city of Crab Orchard like to welcome the children back to school on the first day back,” Baker said. “We meet them at each entry port and give them hugs, high fives, pass out gifts and most importantly well wishes for a great school year.”
Each student receives a gift, paid for by the City of Crab Orchard.
“This year the gift was a nylon string backpack with ‘Crab Orchard Elementary, Go Cubs’ printed on the backpack. We purchased 275 backpacks,” Baker said.
It’s a day that Crab Orchard leaders look forward to, she said.
“We want the children to know that as a community we are all so very proud of them and are here to support them,” Baker said. “This small gesture is just another way we can build a better bond with administrators of our school and, of course, our children.”
Those who participated in this year’s welcome back includes:
• Lonnie Pruitt – Redi Mart
• Dan Gutenson – Magistrate
• Curt Estep – Floyd’s Barber Shop
• Steve Adams – Interim Postmaster
• Larry Owsley – Crab Orchard Fire Chief
• Jeff Caisse – Firefighter
• Kenny Manuel – Commissioner
• Mike Eldridge – Commissioner
• Jimmy Gipson – Crab Orchard Police Chief
• Mike Mullins – Constable
• Tina Smith – Water Clerk
• Nancy Baker – City Clerk
• Sharon Roberts – Past Time Cafe
