One of the songs blasting on the speakers to bring the energy to EastSide Charter School’s students as they embark on their first day of school Tuesday was “I Can” by musical legend Nas.
Widely-considered one of the best lyricists of all time, Nas wrote the chorus: “I know I can (I know I can), Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be), If I work hard at it (If I work hard it), I’ll be where I wanna be (I’ll be where I wanna be).”
A very fitting message for EastSide’s ninth annual “Suit up, Show up” event, which marks the first full school day for all students and officially kicks off the academic year.
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“Suit up, Show up is a way that our community is able to express support for our students as they start the school year,” said Aaron Bass, EastSide’s chief executive officer.
Along with government and education officials, members of the EastSide community lined up to the entryway to the building, high-fiving, fist-bumping and cheering the students.
Many who had first-day nerves had their angst replaced with smiles as their pep rally of cheerleaders encouraged them to have a great year.
Some were even pulled aside by individuals in the clapping lines to have a quick pep talk or words of motivation to succeed.
“When our children know that there are so many people that want to see them do well this school year, it makes them feel motivated,” Bass said.
Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.
Jarek can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (215) 450-9982. Follow him on Twitter @jarekrutz
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