Children prepared for new school year

Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) Superintendent Dr. Stephanie S. Elizalde, and Junior League of Dallas President Tandra Allen welcomed thousands of students to the 28th Annual Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair on Friday, August 2. Hosted by Mayor Johnson, the fair is a collaborative effort between the City of Dallas, Dallas ISD, Junior League of Dallas, nonprofits, corporations and community volunteers. Each year, it serves more than 10,000 economically disadvantaged students in grade levels pre-K to 12 and their families. It serves as a one-stop shop for Dallas ISD students and their families to receive school supplies, valuable services and community resources. Attendees have access to immunizations, dental screenings, vision exams, and other health and social services provided by local businesses, organizations and agencies. This year’s fair was powered by more than 40 sponsors, 170 vendors and more than 500 recruited community volunteers. At the conclusion of the ceremony, students and family members queued into Centennial Hall to check in and circulate through the more than 150 vendor booths lining both Centennial Hall and the Automobile Building in Fair Park. In addition to health screenings and school supplies, children had the opportunity for a free haircut allowing them to look and feel their best on the first day of school. — Anna Clare Payne

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