Hemet Unified School District (HUSD) proudly hosted its annual Back to School Resource Fair on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Tahquitz High School. The event brought together over 25 vendors from Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, supporting more than 300 families and providing essential resources to 531 HUSD students. With the theme Ignite the Spark, Equipped to Shine, the fair aimed to ensure that students had everything they needed to start the school year on a strong note.
“This year’s Back to School Fair was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together,” said Miriam Ortiz, Coordinator of School, Family, and Community Partnerships. “From the volunteers who helped stuff backpacks to the generous donations and the dedication of our departments and community partners, it was truly a team effort. I’m grateful for the heart and enthusiasm shown by everyone involved and for the families who continue to trust Hemet Unified to support their children. Our goal was to help students start the year equipped to shine, and I’m proud of the improvements we made to enhance the experience for all.”
The event featured a wide array of services, including immunizations, dental screenings, physicals, vision screenings, and haircuts. In addition to the 25 community partners who provided valuable resources, participants also had access to backpacks, school supplies, shoes, and a district-sponsored book fair.
The fair’s success can be attributed to the collaborative effort of staff, volunteers, and partners. A standout contribution came from the Elks Lodge, whose 17 volunteers helped prepare over 700 backpacks ahead of the event. The Elks Lodge volunteers returned on event day to support families with selecting books at the book fair and assisting with traffic direction.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Tahquitz Cheer Team, led by coach Sarah Peterson, played an integral role in the fair's success. Their enthusiasm and dedication were evident as they helped families navigate the event, supported students in selecting and trying on shoes, and distributed backpacks. Their spirited involvement truly made the event a special experience for the HUSD community.
A critical aspect of this year’s fair was the Wellness and Community Outreach Center’s attention to feedback from previous events. Based on survey results, several improvements were made, including enhancements to the check-in system, which helped alleviate long lines and made the experience smoother for all attendees. The positive feedback received this year highlights the impact of these adjustments.
“We are committed to providing meaningful experiences for our families, and the feedback from this year’s fair has been overwhelmingly positive,” Ortiz said. “We were proud to host several HUSD departments onsite, including the Special Education Department, which provided resources and answered questions, as well as the Nutrition Center, which offered valuable information on school meal programs. The Transportation Department also engaged with parents about job opportunities as school bus drivers.”
Additional resource fairs will take place at HUSD's mountain schools, with Cottonwood K-8 School hosting one on August 4 and Hamilton School scheduled for Saturday, August 9.
Families still in need of backpacks can contact their schools and speak with the School Liaisons for assistance.
The HUSD Back to School Resource Fair is a shining example of the power of community collaboration, with contributions from the Student Support staff, Communications Team, Maintenance & Operations, the Print Shop, the Warehouse, our Family and Community Outreach Liaisons, and, of course, the staff at Tahquitz High School. These efforts, along with our community partners, continue to reflect the district’s commitment to ensuring that every student has the tools they need to succeed.