Changing lives right in our own backyard...

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The City of Waterbury welcomed the school year with its 9th Annual Back to School Rally on August24th, 2006. In attendance at Library Park were eleven hundred participants together with organizers, honored guests and vendors. WYSS truancy department initiated the rally as an end to the summer and a celebration of the opening of the new school year.

The community planning team begins in February to coordinate and plan this event. The Mayor’s office, Superintendent of Schools, DCF, Infoline, Staywell Clinic and various community organizations all actively participate. Motivating the children and providing information to the families for a successful school year was the purpose of this exciting rally. Volunteers solicit everything needed to insure success. Food, giveaways and activities are all no charge. This year’s event was broadcast on CTN and 104.1FM radio. We were privileged to have among our honored guests motivational speakers Mr. Paul Tornaquindici, owner of ShopRite and Ryan Gomes, a graduate of Wilby High School and a member of the Boston Celtics. Ryan also did a basketball clinic for the students.