City of Lake Station helps local families get ready for the school year at Back to School event in Riverview Park

Families getting ready for another exciting school year gathered in Riverview Park on August 8 for the City of Lake Station’s annual Back to School event. The event – which featured raffles, lunch, and school supply handouts – is the perfect conclusion to summer and gives students one last hurrah before heading into the classroom.

The city has hosted a back-to-school event for several years, something many families are appreciative of, especially as the prices for necessary supplies continue to rise.

“It’s awesome,” Samantha Warmelink said. “For the less fortunate kids that are not able to afford school supplies.”

Students could pick up school supplies ranging from notebooks and writing utensils to backpacks. In addition to the free supplies, families could enjoy some fun in the park with food and activities, encouraging students to play and socialize together.

The City of Lake Station and the organizations within it are always looking for ways to strengthen and give back to the community. Helping families prepare for school is just one of the ways the city is able to do so.

“A lot of families in our city struggle with basic needs and groceries. Everything is high-priced right now, so anything that we can do to help with the cost of school so that our students are successful is greatly appreciated,” Rebecca Sanders, City Council Member At-Large, said.

The event also gives local families a chance to connect with each other, forming new friendships that will extend into the classroom and beyond.

“This is the kind of event that brings the community and the residents together, so that they know that there are people out here supporting them,” Warmelink said.

Lake Station Community Schools hopes to carry the positive momentum into the 2026-27 school year. Being a smaller district gives school employees the opportunity to know their students better than an employee at a larger school district may, creating stronger bonds between educator and student.

“All of the community came together today. You get to know the kids. You get to know the parents, and it’s all one-on-one. It’s awesome,” Barbara Cavalier, transportation coordinator for Lake Station schools, said.

Events like this wouldn’t be possible without the support of local sponsors and volunteers who help to organize the event and purchase supplies.

Learn more about the City of Lake Station at lakestation-in.gov.