By Harrison J. Bahe

On July 24, 2025,the Fort McDowell Education Department held its much-anticipated annual Back-to-School event at the Fort McDowell Recreation Center. The event served as a one-stop hub for families preparing for the upcoming academic year, offering parents the opportunity to fill out disclosures, connect with educational organizations, and pick up free backpacks loaded with essential school supplies for their children.

Inside the Recreation Center’s Large Room, the event was thoughtfully arranged. Tables lined the outer perimeter of the space, where representatives from a variety of local and regional educational groups were on hand to provide information, resources, and answers to any questions parents or students had. Among the participating organizations were the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale, the Mesa Public Schools Native American Education Program, Fountain Hills Unified School District, Wassaja Family Services, the United States Army, the H’man Shawa Early Childhood Development Center, the H’man Quadi Audi Yay’e Home Visitation Program, the Wassaja Memorial Health Clinic Healthy Futures Program, the Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine sect, and the Yavapai Foundation Inc., which generously provided free iPads to students.

The highlight for many students was selecting their own backpack from a wide selection displayed on the stage. Options ranged from colorful, character-themed bags featuring Lilo & Stitch and Marvel superheroes for younger students, to sleek, more mature designs suitable for high schoolers. Some even came with headphones or LED lighting. Regardless of the design, each backpack came stocked with basic school necessities, including pens, pencils, folders, and notebook paper ensuring students were ready to hit the ground running. After finishing their back-to-school errands, families were invited to enjoy a refreshing frozen treat from the Kona Ice truck stationed just outside the center; a sweet way to wrap up the day!

Overall, the event was a resounding success, bringing together community members, educational partners, and families for a day of preparation, support, and celebration. The Fort McDowell Education Department extends a heartfelt thank you to all who attended and participated. Good luck to all students this school year! May it be filled with growth, achievement, and new opportunities!