Scholars at the Back to School Bash in Patterson

The Back to School Bash, an event arranged by the Gulf Coast Organization of Katy, Texas, drew hundreds of people to Patterson's Park Street Park on Saturday for games; informational booths from Nicholls State, South Louisiana Community College and other schools; a fun jump; music; and free school supplies. Rachelle Washington White, an administrative law judge and attorney in Houston, is from Patterson, and is married to Gulf Coast Organization CEO Kendrick White. "We wanted to do more than just hand out supplies," Rachelle White said. "This is a rural area, and rural areas need resources, not just here."
Top Photo: Josiah David Fields, a Patterson High graduate, receives a $500 scholarship from Gulf Coast's White. Morgan City High graduate Hailee Jo Madise also received a scholarship Saturday. Bottom Photo: NASA quality engineer Dr. K. Renee Horton spoke to encourage youngsters to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math. She received several awards at the Back to School Bash, including those from Gulf Coast and sorority Delta Sigma Theta.

The Daily Review/Bill Decker