Pearson Middle School recently held a back-to-school event for the surrounding Fair Oaks community that was attended by well over 1,000 families. The first-time celebration was an opportunity for local parents to receive school supplies, as well as food and other necessities. Local sponsors included Chick-fil-A, the Braves Foundation, Must Ministries, GracePointe Church, the Lions Club, and the Cobb County Police Department, to name a few.

The Cobb Schools Foundation also was actively involved in planning and setting up the event. Executive Director Felicia Wagner was on hand to help hand out over 600 backpacks filled with needed supplies like pencils and notebooks.

"We're going to continue to look for more supplies," Ms. Wagner said, "because this is a high-need area. We want to be able to support students with whatever needs we can so that they have success in school. Today's turnout gives us a good barometer for what we need to do in the future."

Pearson's parking lot was buzzing with activity, from cars waiting patiently for boxes of food from the Braves Foundation's Home Plate Project and Chick-fil-A sandwiches to children playing and talking excitedly about the upcoming school year. It was truly a community happening at the two-year-old middle school that serves as a hub for the Fair Oaks community in south Marietta.

"We really want to make sure that we are taking care of all the children in our area," said Pearson Principal Dean Yoder. "With Fair Oaks Elementary right across the street, Principal Cathie Seibert does a great job of getting her school involved with whatever we're doing."

"We have huge community events like the Fall Festival or Spring Fling. We make it a carnival-type atmosphere for our families so that they can come and just have a great time together. We want them to have a memorable experience and know, once again, that we're here to make it the best possible community center and a great experience for the whole family!" Principal Yoder concluded with a smile.

Check out the video below to watch the excitement of the first annual Pearson Pilots Back to School "Take Off Bash" and learn much more about the Fair Oaks community.