It’s almost that time again! Time for Italy High School and Stafford Elementary students to bring apples to the teachers and hit those books. Before the learning begins, however, everyone enjoyed one last chance to have fun during the annual IHS Back-to-School-Bash to honor the 9th – 12th graders. The event was hosted at the home of IHS school board member Russ Lewis, his wife Kelly and their daughter Jaclynn who is a sophomore student athlete at IHS.

Superintendent Barry Bassett, Principal Lee Joffre and several more faculty, teachers, coaches and school board members were on hand to help say goodbye to a fun-filled summer and to celebrate what is sure to be a memorable year at IHS.

With hanging lights decorating the trees, the students enjoyed swimming, slip-n-sliding, volleyball, a dunkin booth, dancing music, lounging on the comfortable grass, mingling at the picnic table and playing the ever popular game of Jungle Pong. Coach Larry Mayberry helped grill burgers and hot dogs along with board members Jon Mathers, Larry Eubank and Paul Cockerham as everyone sat for a meal with plenty of conversation for dessert.

The Bash is a special moment for students to enjoy each other’s company and build camaraderie between classmates and teammates. Special thanks to the Lewis family and everyone who helped make the evening a night to remember. Also, good luck to all the students this year as you each embark on an incredible journey together. “Italy Family!”