Germantown H.S Promise Academy’s Back-To-School Block Party draws a crowd

Margaret Mullen-Bavwidinsi looked forward to hosting a successful Back to School Block Party at Germantown High School’s Promise Academy. Then, the principal had to deal with reports of an approaching hurricane.

With a rain-or-shine guarantee, the event might not have been held outside as planned — it  was moved into the high school’s gym — but it drew more than 250 people. Mullen-Bavwidinski said the event “went very well despite the rain.”

“With this being the first actual year as a Promise Academy, Germantown High School is looking forward to a very exciting and bright school year,” she said of the transition which is part of the School District’s Renaissance Schools Initiative.

Students, teachers, politicians and community residents joined Mullen-Bavwidinsi for food, games, music and information from 30 local organizations including Germantown Clergy, Germantown Historical Society, Philadelphia Young Democrats and a representative from state Sen. LeAnna M. Washington’s office.

Philly Truck Squad gave away free book bags, school supplies, books, dictionaries and more. The AIDS Fund was there to raise awareness about the dangers of HIV/AIDS among youth and to provide information about the 25th Annual AIDS Walk coming this October. The Germantown High School Promise Academy Drum Line performed, as well.

“This was a great event, for young people to get ready and excited for school,” said Jamila Hall of Mt. Airy. “This was also a great way to turn the negative light on youth into a positive one.”During the middle of the event, there was a performance from the Germantown High School Promise Academy Drum Line, which really got the crowd excited. Debbie Grill, a Mt. Airy resident who serves on the School Advisory Council for Germantown High School, noted that, “it’s good to see parents involved.”