Back to School Bash hypes up local students for school year

By Madison Bierl
| 3:56 p.m. August 8, 2026

East County's Preston, Ashton and Clayton Nicholson are all eager to start their school year at Gene Witt Elementary School after attending the Back to School Bash at The Mall at University Town Center.

East County
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If there's one thing the Nicholson brothers — 9-year-old Ashton and 7-year-old twins Preston and Clayton — are looking forward to in the new school year, it's math.

Before they dive into their favorite subject at Gene Witt Elementary, they explored various booths about fossils, history and local organizations at the Back to School Bash at The Mall at University Town Center Aug. 8.

At the event, 250 backpacks and over 10,000 school supplies were given out.

"The boys also really enjoyed learning about fossils, animals from the past and the history of our natural world," said

Steven Nicholson, their father, said the event was a "wonderful mix of fun, learning and community connection" and is grateful so many events like this take place in the area.

"They create great family memories, help our children feel connected to the community and bring neighbors together around something positive," Nicholson said. "I’m always grateful for the organizers, local businesses and vendors who put the time and effort into making events like this possible and help make our community and the surrounding areas such a wonderful place for families."

Lakewood Ranch's Rachel Van Dillen stumbled upon the event with her sons Cameron Roane, Rylan Roane and Sawyer Van Dillen.

"To me, events like this are a great way to see and appreciate all the activities, programs, and opportunities our community has to offer kids and families," Rachel Van Dillen said. "It was a fun surprise and a great addition to our day."

Lakewood Ranch's Vrutika Babaria and her 8-year-old daughter, Arya Babaria, embraced the event. They said there were lots of activities and resources and plenty of opportunities to meet up with old friends and make new ones.

Vrutika Babaria said education is extremely important to her and she was grateful for the event to get the kids excited for the new school year.

"We believe education gives children the foundation and confidence they need to grow, learn and reach their goals," Vrutika Babaria said. "We want our children to enjoy learning, work hard and take advantage of every opportunity available to them."

Sarasota Ballet 14-year-old Violet Olson plays the role of Clara in "The Nutcracker" at the Back to School Bash.

Strictly Entertainment's Wyndy Olson adds color and sparkle to the face of Lakewood Ranch 8-year-old Arya Babaria at the Back to School Bash.

Sarasota Ballet 14-year-olds Harper Siliman and Qwynn Dureska have both had a passion for dance for 12 years.

Parrish's Nova DiSalle dances along to the Sarasota Ballet performers at the Back to School Bash at The Mall at University Town Center Aug. 8.

Madison and Tristain Atwood, gymnastics instructors at The Little Gym, and Kevin Tucker (center) with Florida Penguin Productions, greet attendees of the Back to School Bash with backpacks.

Parrish's Nova DiSalle (back) and Sarasota's Evelyn Oliver (front), both 4 years old, follow directions on how to dance from the Sarasota Ballet at the Back to School Bash.

Lakewood Ranch's Rosemary Smith, 6, and Theodore Smith, 5, are happy to explore The Mall at University Town Center during the Back to School Bash Aug. 8.

Palmetto 3-year-old Emmett Sprague and 4-year-old Easton Sprague feel too cool for school in their new sunglasses from The Coder School.

Bradenton 5-year-old Emma Wisniewski says she wants to be a dentist after brushing some abnormally large teeth at the HumbleBees Pediatric Dentistry booth at the Back to School Bash.

Nokomis residents Parker Hadrava, Nina Hadrava and Jasper Hadrava strike a pose at the Back to School Bash at The Mall at University Town Center Aug. 8.

Lakewood Ranch's Nijah Rene, 11, and Melissa Carey

Lakewood Ranch's Cameron Roane, Sawyer Van Dillen, Jaxton Radovich and
Rylan Roane are looking forward to a great school year. — Lakewood Ranch's Cameron Roane, Sawyer Van Dillen, Jaxton Radovich and Rylan Roane are looking forward to a great school year.

author

Madison Bierl

Madison Bierl is the education and community reporter for the East County Observer. She grew up in Iowa and studied at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University.