POINT PLEASANT — School is only a few, short days away.

And Mason County residents have been busy helping students prepare for the upcoming school year, especially 2009 Point Pleasant Sternwheel Regatta Queen Summer Searls.

Earlier this summer, Searls organized a backpack drive, where she asked individuals and businesses to donate new backpacks, which would be given to any student entering Mason County Schools. On Aug. 16, Searls along with 2009 River Princess Katherine Deem, Little Mr. Showboat Preston Taylor, Little Miss Showboat Allyson Gillispie and Regatta Pageant Director Heather Wood met at Point Pleasant Junior Senior High School to distribute the backpacks.

According to Searls, more than 150 backpacks were given out, and nearly every Mason County school was represented at the drive. Searls described the project as being a great success, and said that she was happy to help the community.

“I came up with the idea (for the backpack drive) because I knew it would benefit many in the community. With the economy in the shape that it is now, I knew many children would be in need of a backpack. I believe the project was a major success,” she added.

Searls also emphasized the importance of doing community service, such as the backpack drive.

“Community projects are always important. They really help bring the community closer,” she said. “It is also important to make sure children are prepared for school. Sometimes when a child receives a new backpack it just makes them excited and ready to go back to school.”

As for continuing the backpack drive next year, Searls said that she would be more than happy to help the 2010 Point Pleasant Sternwheel Regatta Queen with the event.

“(The backpack drive) is a great cause and I feel it should be continued,” she added.

In addition, Searls said that she has several other community projects in mind that she would like to complete before her reign as regatta queen ends.

“I do have two projects that I’m getting ready to start. First, I would love to go into some of our schools and read to the children. Second, I am planning to have a Queen’s Brunch for younger aged girls,” she said, adding that both projects should take place this fall.

Searls also said that she has several ideas for Christmas projects.

According to Searls, the backpack drive was made possible due to the generous donations from both area businesses and individuals in the community.