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How time flies! It seems like yesterday that we were celebrating graduations throughout the city, state, and nation. Students were moving forward in their educational journey from preschool to kindergarten, to first grade, and then to middle school, high school, and finally to institutes of higher education, and from colleges and universities to the world of work.
By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer
(Hawthorne, CA) How time flies! It seems like yesterday that we were celebrating graduations throughout the city, state, and nation. Students were moving forward in their educational journey from preschool to kindergarten, to first grade, and then to middle school, high school, and finally to institutes of higher education, and from colleges and universities to the world of work.
Students will soon experience an adrenaline rush in anticipation of a new school year. As the school year approaches, parents are closely monitoring the latest developments regarding tariffs and economic uncertainty.
Parents and students in the “City of Good Neighbors” gathered at Chase Bank in Hawthorne, Thursday, August 7, 2025. Chase Bank, in partnership with the Hawthorne Councilwoman, to present a Back to School Backpack Giveaway. This event helps families lessen the burden of purchasing back-to-school supplies and backpacks. These supplies give students the tools to thrive in the new school year.
I was fortunate to receive an invitation to attend this amazing event. Chase Bank and Councilwoman Katrina Manning assisted kids to kick off the new school year in style with a brand-new backpack filled with school supplies.
Christopher Beere, Community Manager, VP, Chase Bank, encouraged his team to have fun while providing a memorable experience for students who have already started school or will be starting in a couple of weeks.
The afternoon featured enrichment activities for the entire family. I liked the idea of hosting basic money skills workshops. This was an engaging and informative workshop for teens and their parents. The info presented was relevant and timely for teens who are working part-time or planning on working part-time during the school year. The money skills workshop will come in handy to students handling a variety of incomes from part-time work, scholarships, loans, grants, and other financial aid. This workshop was a win-win situation for parents and young adults. I forgot to mention another form of passive income for students…ALLOWANCE! Please feel free to ask SIRI or Google Voice what an allowance is before you sit down to negotiate with parents.
The program provided a variety of snacks, pizza, water, and juices for all students in attendance.
It’s not every day that you get to meet and greet an established author, physicist, STEM advocate affirmations for empowerment and Dreamer at a Back to School Supplies Giveaway. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Katrina Carter-Journet (Pen Name K. L. Carter) was onsite for a meet and greet with students and parents. K. L. Carter signed copies of her books Mystical Girl, Mystical Girl Coloring Book, Let’s Chase the Moon, and Earthium Rise Boy. Students’ curiosity and imagination are sure to soar as they continue their educational journey. Follow K. L. Carter on Instagram for weekly affirmations, book updates, speaking, or signings. https://www.instagram.com/klcarterwrites
Now that I have your attention. Please be advised that royalty is in the house. Lara Elise Journet, USOA Teen California 2025, was on-site to engage with local youth, which is part of The Confidence Project, a platform for empowering teens and others.
The Cypher Spot Dance Studio, 12846 Hawthorne Blvd., held a Back 2 School Event in the parking lot of Chase Bank. The Youth 1V1 Dance Company was a youth dance battle for ages 4-17. Winners received a cash reward. It does my heart good to witness the youth of the community showcasing their creativity through dance on this beautiful evening in the “City of Good Neighbors.”
The Cypher Spot Dance Studio is a Christian Dance Studio in Hawthorne. The Cypher Spot Dance Studio offers a Christ-centered, creative, positive outreach to the community using dance and art. You can reach out and follow The Cypher Spot Dance Studio on social media, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can view photos, videos, and find out about upcoming events and classes on the Instagram page. https://www.instagram.com/thecypherspot#
Chase Bank and Councilwoman Katrina Manning should be commended for providing an encouraging, supportive, and uplifting event that provided students a sense of hope and positive energy going forward into the upcoming school year!