Press Photos by Beverly SpringerABOVE: Breakfast eaten, faces washed and backpacks in place, East Penn elementary school students are ready to ride into the 2025-2026 school year. ABOVE: Hat on and curls out, look out elementary school, here comes Anna Smith.

Thomas Friday appears grown up and confident on the first day of school.

Nova Colvin is on the bus and on her way to the first day of school.

PRESS PHOTOS BY BEVERLY SPRINGERSan Lin, left and Pierce Berg are ready for school.

RIGHT: Aurelius Hardiman waits in his stroller to see his brother Renly off to the first day of school. Additional photos appear on Page A11.

Bus driver Eric Brompton is all smiles as he welcomes the children waiting to board the bus.

Houston, we have lift off! Cory Smith prepares to soar into the school year.

August accompanies sister Olivia Printz to the bus stop to give her a proper send off.

Accompanied by her dog Sheila, Brooklynn Boushell is set to take on a new school year.