Tavares High School’s Student Government Association partnered with the Tavares Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to host the annual Back-to-School Backpack Bash on Saturday, August 1 in the Tavares High School gymnasium.

The community event welcomed hundreds of students and families as they prepared for the upcoming school year by providing free backpacks filled with essential school supplies on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies lasted. Approximately 300 backpacks were distributed during the event, helping local students start the school year equipped for success. The backpacks were made possible through the generosity of several local sponsors, including Church of God, Friendship C.M.E. Church, Union Congregational Church, Shiloh M.B. Church, and St. John I.F.M. Church.

In addition to receiving school supplies, attendees enjoyed a complimentary lunch provided by Kalua Beach Bar and spent the afternoon participating in inflatable games set up outside the gymnasium.

The event also showcased the many opportunities available to students at Tavares High School. Representatives from several student organizations were on hand to meet incoming and returning students, answer questions, and encourage involvement throughout the school year. Participating organizations included Key Club, Inclusion Club, Unified Special Olympics, Tavares Mock Trial, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and the Student Government Association.

“We at THS are so thankful for the opportunity to partner with the Tavares Police Department and loved meeting our future Bulldogs,” says Tavares High School Senior Class President Madysn Stesney. “We would also like to thank our community for its incredible generosity and support through donations. Your contributions helped make this event a success and ensured that hundreds of students were ready for the new school year.”