ST ANN, Jamaica — The school bell hasn’t rung yet, but National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) is setting the tone for a stress-free start to the new academic year.

Close to 700 locals gathered recently at NCB’s St Ann’s Bay branch for the Sum’n Nice fi Dem Future back-to-school fair.

“The back-to-school season can be one of the busiest and most expensive times for families,” said Kaysia Vaughan, head of group marketing and communications at NCB. “These fairs are our way of easing the pressure, giving parents access to resources, good deals, and a little extra fun for the little ones. It’s part of our wider commitment to building a better Jamaica by supporting families and strengthening communities,”said Vaughan.

The day was high-energy with dance-offs, quizzes, and colouring contests, with MC Jennifer ‘Jenny Jenny’ Small bringing her trademark flair behind the microphone. Parents, teachers, and children walked away with book vouchers, schoolbags, and more.

Janele Bryan, 7-year old Priory Primary & Infant School student, is all smiles when she received her balloon from Recondo ‘Too Sweet the Clown’ Duhaney at NCB’s Sum’n Nice fi Dem Future Back-to-School Fair in St Ann’s Bay.

Among the happy recipients was 13-year-old St Hilda’s High School student Ashanti Robb, who received a $6,000 voucher to kick-start her savings with an NCB SMART account.

“It’s nice knowing there’s already money in my account. I’m ready to start saving,,” she said.

For Nickeisha Burrel, mother to a bubbly six-year-old, Janele Bryan, the event was a lifesaver.

“Today was really fun and helpful. I got a few things sorted for school, did the health checks, and watched the kids in the dance competition. I feel more ready now for my daughter to start school,” she stated.

Michelle Francis Ingram, a mathematics teacher at Marcus Garvey Technical High School, described the day as a “boost” for the community.

“The fair was fantastic, and the giveaways were really appreciated. A lot of parents came with their book lists, so the book grant prizes will really help them get what they need for the new school year,” said Francis Ingram.

Young men like four-year-old Tahjari Taffi benefited from the free haircuts provided by Mark Thomas, owner of StarsCut barber shop in St Ann’s Bay.

Parents also supported long-standing local businesses like Direct Books Stationery, where owner local Tariq Dacosta, offered special discounts on school books.

When parents weren’t busy ticking items off their back-to-school lists, children enjoyed NCB’s Kids’ Zone with balloon animals and face painting from Recondo ‘Too Sweet the Clown.’ Parents and NCB team members also joined the fun, playing tic-tac-toe, bean bag toss, and football with the kids.

The final leg of NCB’s Sum’n Nice fi Dem Future Back-to-School Fair will be held on Friday at the Mandeville branch, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.