Thu, 08/28/2025 - 2:00pm

ISABELLE CURTIS

Students from across the Boothbay region get ready for another successful school year with some community help. ISABELLE CURTIS/Boothbay Register

BRES Assistant Principal Kim Dionne serves up burgers to hungry kids and parents. ISABELLE CURTIS/Boothbay Register

Even furry friends made an appearance. ISABELLE CURTIS/Boothbay Register

A selection of free books was up for grabs. ISABELLE CURTIS/Boothbay Register

Free books were up for grabs. ISABELLE CURTIS/Boothbay Register

ISABELLE CURTIS/Boothbay Register

Students from across the Boothbay region get ready for another successful school year with some community help. ISABELLE CURTIS/Boothbay Register

BRES Assistant Principal Kim Dionne serves up burgers to hungry kids and parents. ISABELLE CURTIS/Boothbay Register

Even furry friends made an appearance. ISABELLE CURTIS/Boothbay Register

Free books were up for grabs. ISABELLE CURTIS/Boothbay Register

ISABELLE CURTIS/Boothbay Register

Community Resource Council (CRC)’s annual Set for Success event returned for its 14th year at Boothbay Region Elementary School (BRES) on Wednesday, Aug. 27. The gymnasium was packed with 34 vendors representing local clubs, organizations, church groups, and more. Free L.L Bean backpacks were also handed out to Pre-K (who also got lunchboxes), second, fourth and seventh graders, and newcomers.

CRC Operations Director Holly Stover estimated about 200 people had arrived within the first half-hour. “It's a very strong showing of our community,” she said.

Vendor tables were soon emptied as students swept up the back-to-school swag and deposited it in their new bags, often left for their guardians to carry, as they explored and met up with friends. There were also several raffles, including the chance to win everything from bikes to a weighted blanket from LincolnHealth, free books from the Scholastic Book Fair, family memberships to Boothbay Railway Village Museum, and other opportunities.

School supplies (not including the backpacks) were again delivered directly to teachers.

There was no cookout this year due to rain, but BRES Assistant Principal Kim Dionne still served up free burgers to attendees from the school cafeteria.

“Everybody's upbeat, excited and ready for a brand new school year,” said Stover.