Backpacks given out at Back-to-School events

Back-to-School Fun at Goudy Park — Puffer Reds owner Eric Williams and crew pass out Adidas backpacks donated by Puffer Reds during Wayne’s Back-to-School Movie Night on Friday, August 21, at Goudy Park. Wayne families gathered for an evening of community fun while local partners helped students get ready for the new school year. Photo by John Rhaesa

By Sarah Shurge – As summer vacation comes to an end, Back-to-School events were hosted to send kids back to the classrooms on the right foot.
On Tuesday, August 18th, Wayne-Westland families attended the Back-to-School Fair at John Glenn High School. The event had inflatables, a dunk tank, rock climbing wall, petting zoo, face painters, and a DJ.
2,000 backpacks were passed out to students.
“We also gave away water bottles, provided a free dinner through our Food Services Department, and had over 50 community partners who met with families to provide resources and giveaways,” said Jenny Johnson, Wayne-Westland Community Schools Communications Director. All of this was provided by the event sponsor Recovery Action Network (RAN). RAN is a peer-based support group that is committed to serving the Western Wayne County community. This organization supports all pathways of recovery with educational seminars, community resources, recovery activities, community service events, and more.
RAN had a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Recovery Community Center in Wayne (35112 W. Michigan Ave) in June 2025. This space serves as a welcoming and safe environment for people in recovery and those seeking support.
A special thank you to the event sponsor, RAN, for helping make this event possible and supporting our students and families, and a thank you to all the staff, volunteers, and community partners who helped make the evening such a success.
On Friday, August 21st, Wayne families attended the Back-to-School Movie Night at Goudy Park. Families enjoyed dancing, games, activities, and finished the evening with a showing of “Barnyard” under the stars.

Community Leaders Join Back-to-School Celebration — Mayor John Rhaesa, Councilman Don Quarles, State Representative Peter Herzberg, Brett Macek and Westland Mayor Kevin Coleman pose for a photo during Wayne’s Back-to-School Movie Night at Goudy Park. Below: State Representative Peter Herzberg passes out backpacks to local children at Goudy Park.

More than 300 backpacks (with school supplies) were given away.
“The Wayne Downtown Development Authority (DDA) would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a wonderful success,” said Lisa Kubany, DDA Marketing and Events Director. “Being back in Goudy Park felt like home.”
A special thank you to the event sponsors and partners: Puffer Reds, State Representative Peter Herzberg, Wayne-Westland Federal Credit Union, Frazier’s Towing and Auto Repair, CrossPointe Community Church, First Congregational Church of Wayne, AKA Sports and Custom Apparel, Lanterns Church, Wayne Youth Services, Wayne Public Library, The Dance Academy, and Sponsorship Solutions and Park It.
Thank you to the food trucks that attended the event: Emelias Taqueria (E Guac n Roll), Fun Food Express, and Rainy’s Ice Cream Truck.
“A huge thank you also goes to the City of Wayne DPW crew and all of the volunteers who generously gave their time and energy before, during, and after the event. Your hard work helped make the entire evening possible,” said Kubany.
Congratulations to all the kids that received a backpack at these events and good luck to all the Wayne-Westland students this upcoming school year!