Sequoyah County Students Head Back to School with Resources, Smiles, and Supplies

Monday, July 21, 2025 — A wave of back-to-school events, offering everything from free supplies to health services and fun family activities, is preparing students across Sequoyah County for the school year. With multiple events taking place in Muldrow and Sallisaw, local organizations are working together to make sure every child starts the school year prepared and confident.

On Wednesday, July 23, the Sequoyah County Health Department is teaming up with local partners to host a full-day event at the Cherokee Community Center in Muldrow, located at 603 N. Main Street. From 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., families can take advantage of a wide range of services to get their children school-ready, all at no cost.

Health professionals will be on-site offering routine childhood immunizations, sports and band physicals, general health exams, and oral assessments with fluoride varnish. These services are available through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides free immunizations to children 18 and younger who are American Indian or Alaska Native, Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, or underinsured. Parents are encouraged to bring their child’s immunization records to ensure they receive the appropriate vaccines.

But the event is about more than just health; it’s a celebration.

Children attending will receive free backpacks and school supplies, dental kits, female hygiene kits, and even new mother kits. Free haircuts, nail painting, and classic summertime snacks like hot dogs and popcorn will be offered while supplies last. Kids will also enjoy a meet-and-greet with the Muldrow Fire Department and Pafford EMT, and a special appearance from Miss Diamond Daze, Addison Legg, will top off the day.

Just one week later, families can return for another opportunity to gather school supplies and connect with community services. On Wednesday, July 31, the Sally Byrd Sevenstar Community Building, located at 474894 OK-101 in Muldrow, will host a back-to-school event from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This evening event is presented by Restored Access and Cherokee Nation Behavioral Prevention Programs and focuses on both practical and cultural support.

In addition to free backpacks, hygiene kits, and wellness worksheets, children will be invited to participate in a cultural craft activity. Supplies will be available while they last, and families with questions can contact Abraham Bearpaw at 918-840-1690 for more information.

The final event in the series is the largest. On Saturday, August 2, the community will gather at the Sallisaw Rodeo Grounds for the 11th Annual Back to School Roundup. The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to noon, with registration beginning at 9:00 a.m., and the gates opening at 10:00.

This roundup will feature the distribution of 650 backpacks filled with school supplies to Sequoyah County students. To receive a backpack, students must be present and reside in the county. Along with school supplies, families can enjoy games, activities, and free hot dogs grilled by the National Bank of Sallisaw. The Mix 105.1 will broadcast live, keeping the atmosphere upbeat with music and announcements.

The event will end on a high note with a bike giveaway. One lucky boy and one lucky girl will each take home a brand-new bicycle. The drawing is scheduled to take place between 11:30 and 11:45 a.m.

Organizers are still looking for vendors and sponsors to participate in the roundup. Interested individuals or businesses can email hsilva@sallisawok.org or contact Melissa Lowe at (918) 776-0848 to contribute or get involved.

From health checkups to school supplies, Sequoyah County’s back-to-school events are doing more than just filling backpacks; they’re filling students with excitement, encouragement, and everything they need for a strong start to the school year.

Lindsie Dyer, Staff Writer

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