By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

EDGARD – With the help of some area businesses and organizations, a west bank youth group will be helping St. John the Baptist Parish students get back into the school routine.

Girls in Action, an all female empowerment group, will hold its first Back to School Summit today at 6 p.m. at the West St. John High School gym.

Girls in Action President Krischelle Thomas said she hopes the event will serve as a motivational tool to get elementary and high school students excited about going back to school after summer.

“We wanted to stage something that would bring the community together,” Thomas said. “This is something new, but we would like to see it become a tradition this time of year.”

Thomas said Girls in Action has drawn the support of various businesses and organizations that will be handing out school supplies along with information about their organizations. She said District Court Judge Madeline Jasmine will be the guest speaker.

“There will also be food, drinks and door prizes,” Thomas said. “We encourage all of our area students and their parents to come out.”