Community Foundation Presents Advantage with $500 Check at Back-to-School Event

The good food, bounce houses, snow cones, barbers, braiders, and face painting were all expected at the annual Back-to-School Bash at Advantage Charter Academy (ACA). There was one big surprise: a $500 check for the school courtesy of the City of Baker Community Foundation.

Foundation representative Angela Trahan said City of Baker Mayor Darnell Waites appreciates how actively involved ACA is in community events and works at giving back to the community.

“We were completely surprised with City of Baker presenting this check to us,” Advantage Principal Stephanie Jones said. “When the city wants to put on a big community event, we usually invite them to use our school's parking lot to engage the community at Advantage. Our Admissions Representative Matthew Robinson does a great job connecting with the community."

"The mayor is always assisting us with anything that is needed like donating school supplies and/or cooking for our staff.”

The event drew over 250 families who enjoyed access to the East Baton Rouge Parish Mobile Library, bike riding around the school hosted by Geaux Bikes, free school supplies, a free uniform shirt giveaway, and hamburgers, chips, and drinks.

The barbers and braiders were kept busy, getting scholars ready for their first day with new hair styles.

“Due to our ongoing communication with our families, we were not surprised with the turnout,” Jones said. “Anything we have at Advantage is effectively communicated to our families. We enjoy our families just as much as they enjoy us! In fact, some of our alumni students attended this event and we welcomed them in as if they were still attending ACA. This is what we do at ACA!”