SNOW HILL — Waving dark blue and white pom poms, teachers and folks from the community greeted students from different entry points Monday morning at Greene County Intermediate School.

"Happy first day!"

"Welcome back!"

"How was your summer?"

"We're going to have a great first day!"

Some students stopped to give teachers hugs and kisses during the second annual "Parade of Hope." Others smiled sheepishly as they turned down a hallway toward classrooms that soon buzzed with excitement.

The initiative, according to GCIS Principal Jada Mumford, is a way to get the fourth and fifth-grade children excited about a new school year. The students are either newcomers from West Greene Elementary School or in their second year before they head across the road to Greene County Middle School.

"To me, it shows them a good role model when you have the community coming in and showing their support," Mumford said. "This is a crucial age. We have a lot of students that are struggling academically, but also socially and emotionally. For them to see people from the community rooting them on, we know that's important.

"Hope can change your life as long as you have the hope that you can change the world, you can be a leader. It gives them the push to go to the next level."

Support from city councilmen, county commissioners and churches has overwhelmed Mumford. She added that Rainbow Methodist Church adopted the school and invited them to a fellowship celebration. Another church, Westfield, helps with "Backpack Buddies" and provided dinner for the school staff during last week's open house.

"It's good to make those connections for the teachers," Mumford said.

Breaks squealed, then the doors squeaked open as the children filed off the bus and headed inside. The drop-off area in front of the school overflowed with cars. Armed with backpacks, some kids climbed out and strolled toward the front door, while a few others walked hand-in-hand with their parents into the school that houses 460 students.

Including GCIS, more than 3,000 students reported for opening-day classes also at Greene Central High School, West Greene, Greene County Middle, Snow Hill Primary and Greene Early College High.