Jack Rountree residents enjoy the cookout and games Thursday evening. Photo by Catherine Hardee / Neuse News

The residents of a Kinston apartment complex enjoyed an evening of food and fun as an educational program had its kickoff.

With the end of summer approaching, the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library hosted a cookout and game night Thursday at Jack Rountree apartments in Kinston to introduce residents and their children to the “STEM 4 All” after-school program that will soon begin at the complex.

The event also allowed local elected officials and community leaders to take a tour of the newly decorated community room that will house the after-school program. With a comfortable reading nook, a small but growing library of books and a technology corner, the space will begin welcoming children next week.

Kinston Mayor Don Hardy said he was excited by the potential of the program.

“Education is the key, so when kids can be exposed to education right here in their homes, it means we are moving forward as a city,” Hardy said.  

Sharon Mervin is the new Outreach Program Coordinator for the library who will be in charge of the program. She said she has been overwhelmed by the support the “STEM 4 All” program has received.

“It’s surreal. There hasn’t been anyone that we’ve asked for help that has not shown up and helped,” Mervin said.

In fact, she said they received an email from a Pink Hill native who now lives in Pennsylvania who read Neuse News’ previous article about the program. He reached out to offer financial support and expertise to the program, Mervin said, and he has not been the only one.

“We have had so many people approach us from all walks of life to offer help. This isn’t a race thing, it isn’t a political thing, it’s a community really truly coming together to help the kids, and I feel really good being a part of it,” Mervin said. 

Kinston Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon, who is also the principal of Rochelle Middle School, spoke to the gathered parents and kids, and urged them to take advantage of the opportunity that the new program will provide. 

“Make this a responsibility, a non-negotiable. This is the greatest thing that could ever come to a city, bringing education to the back door of our most precious kids,” Solomon said. 

Jack Rountree resident Gayle Collins said she will be taking Solomon’s words to heart for her 13-year-old granddaughter Rhaine.

“She’s going to be here every day, non-negotiable. Without an education, you can’t make it, so she will take advantage of this opportunity,” Collins said. 

Library director Melanie Morgan said the turnout for the kickoff event was even better than she had hoped for, and she was thrilled to see so many community leaders come out to support the program. 

Attendees were treated to grilled hot dogs, chips, cookies, apples and drinks, while the children enjoyed a bouncy house, cornhole, balloons and other games. Morgan said the food for the event was donated by the Vernon Avenue Food Lion. 

The program will get under way next week at Jack Rountree. Morgan said she is optimistic that the “STEM 4 All” will be able to expand to Carver Courts by January.