Park Cities People July 2026

BUILDING THEIR LEGACIES: FOUNDATIONS HONOR YOUNG LIVES LOST IN FLOODING

Editor’s Note: The information below was provided by families and foundations of the flood victims and has been edited for style and length.

The Park Cities lost six little girls last year in the catastrophic July 4 flooding at Camp Mystic.

Though their lives were brief, the foundations created in their honor have carried forward the kindness, joy, hope, and purpose each girl left behind.

Lila’s Light LilasLight.org

Lila Bonner was a natural leader who loved all creatures, big and small, and was fiercely devoted to her two little sisters. She dreamed of opening an animal rescue and was always eager to hold a hand or give a gentle hug.

Lila’s Light aims to bring light to dark places by keeping children from harm and protecting animals from disaster and crises. This summer, Lila’s Light is proud to support The Safety Navigator for its Safe Summers Fund, which works to make camps safer through tools, expert guidance, risk assessments, and resources.

Lila’s Light has also partnered with nonprofits across the state to support the rescue and treatment of wounded animals. Thanks to the organization’s support, Phoenix — a horse belonging to Mounted Patrol Kendall Higgins who was badly injured during flood search and rescue — has fully healed and is thriving.

Hugs From Hadley

HugsfromHadley.org

Hadley Hanna was a ray of sunshine with a vibrant, unmatched spirit. She was fiercely loyal and a friend to all — a little girl who cartwheeled through life, smiling, singing, and dancing along the way.

Her foundation is supporting two scholarships for children with type 1 diabetes at Camp Sweeney, a place where children can experience the joy of camp in a safe, understanding environment. Hadley’s cousin is diabetic and attends the camp.

The foundation is also aiding the Adaptive Sports Center of Crested Butte, where people with disabilities can build independence and confidence through outdoor adventure programs, and 300 Justice Road, which will help three retiring Navy Seals re-enter civilian life and provides training and equipment to first responders in rural areas.

To remember Hadley, her family also suggests donating to the Texas Rangers, and specifically the search for Cile Steward, or to Heavens27.org.

The Janie Hunt Foundation TheJanieHuntFoundation.com

The Janie Hunt Foundation serves as a lasting legacy in memory of Janie Hunt, who lit up the world with her bright smile, compassion, and love. It supports causes that were important to the 9-year-old, including STEM programs, drama, camp safety, and the arts.

The Foundation has partnered with Canine Companions, a nonprofit that connects people with disabilities and service dogs. It will support projects at Hyer Elementary, Janie’s home away from home, and sponsor annual service opportunities at the Day School at Highland Park Presbyterian Church.

Students at Hyer Elementary have honored Janie’s memory through acts of service. The school’s Kindness and Compassion Club

recently spearheaded the first annual Janie Hunt Art Supply Drive benefitting a local nonprofit that serves refugees. And the Baker Kids, a club Janie helped start, raised funds for her Foundation at a school-wide bake sale organized entirely by her peers.

The Hanna and Rebecca  Lawrence  Charitable Fund dallasfoundation.org/hannarebecca-lawrence-charitable-fund

The Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence Charitable Fund supports nonprofits that reflect the twins’ passions and favorite pursuits.

For Hanna, who dreamed of becoming a chef to serve those in need, that means encouraging fearless leadership, fostering meaningful connections, and helping ensure that basic needs are met. For Rebecca, who dreamed of becoming a teacher, it means helping others feel comfortable in their own skin, expanding access to quality educational opportunities, and nurturing compassion for every living being, especially animals.

The Lawrence family hopes the money raised will do more than support those in need — it will also carry forward the joy, spirit, and meaning of Hanna and Rebecca’s lives.

“Keep spreading the joy and kindness that Hanna and Rebecca brought to this world,” the girls’ parents wrote, “tell others you love them, make them smile, show off your style, push limits, take care of yourself and each other, and be you.”

Living for Lulu LivingforLulu.com

Eloise Peck could make anyone feel important, safe, and adored, whether they had two legs or four. She filled her parents’ world with love, laughter, and light, and had an altruistic heart that was as big as her smile.

Eloise’s favorite playmate was her little brother, Holden. She loved her school, teachers, coaches, security officers, and friends. She was inclusive of all, at ease with nature, and explored the world around her with a curiosity that caused her to meet, pet, pick up, and name every animal that crossed her path.

“Our mission is to bring comfort, healing, and hope to children and animals in need — reflecting the love, empathy, and joy that Lulu shared so freely in her short but impactful life,” her family wrote on Living for Lulu’s webpage.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Lila Bonner. Hadley Hanna. Janie Hunt. Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence. Eloise Peck. COURTESY PHOTOS

Death at Bachman Lake Renews Trail Improvement Questions

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

The recovery of a man’s body from Bachman Lake has raised questions about the status of a project meant to improve the area’s safety and quality of life.

Dallas Fire-Rescue received a report May 10 that the man had gone into the lake near the 9300 block of Webb Chapel Road behind a Whataburger restaurant between Northwest Highway and Shorecrest Drive and hadn’t resurfaced, spokesman Jason Evans said.

Crime Reports

May 11

Dallas police say the body was later found nearby.

A long-awaited trailhead project from QuikTrip would improve safety and security by adding lighting and bar barriers along the pathway that goes under the bridge from Lemmon Avenue. But that venture, which was approved by the Dallas City Council in 2018, has yet to break ground.

More than seven years later, a QuikTrip spokesperson says the company remains committed to the project and expects construction to start “in the near term.”

When QuikTrip’s plans were approved

May 11 - June 7

Reported at 4:51 p.m.: A reckless driver hit a Porsche Macan parked in the 5000 block of Abbott Avenue and fled the scene.

May 12

Reported at 7:24 a.m.: A burglar broke into a vehicle on Normandy Avenue.

Reported at 7:31 a.m.: A thief drove off in a GMC Yukon that was parked in the 4500 block of Belclaire Avenue and took four pairs of designer sunglasses worth about $1,000 from inside.

May 13

Reported at 7:33 a.m.: A crook broke into a Ford F-150 in the 3400 block of Drexel Drive, leaving the rear driver side window broken, and stole a Nike backpack, a $1,200 MacBook, and various school supplies. The backpack with laptop and school supplies was later found.

Reported at 8:47 a.m.: How easy was it for a mischief maker to get into a Tesla in the 3500 block of Drexel Drive ? It was left unlocked.

May 14

Reported at 8:40 a.m.: A pilferer stole packages from a home on Amherst Street.

May 15

Reported at 9 p.m.: A shoplifter stole stuff from a CVS store on Preston Road.

May 16

Reported at 9:04 a.m.: A burglar shattered a window of a GMC Denali in the 4200 block of Potomac Avenue and took a Smith and Wesson subcompact pistol and various debit cards.

Reported at 3:11 p.m.: A porch pirate pilfered packages from a home in the 3900 block of Marquette Street.

May 17

Reported at 1:26 p.m.: A thief took stuff from a home on Stanford Avenue.

May 18

Reported at 8:07 a.m.: A crook broke into a Ford F-150 Raptor in the 4500 block

of Arcady Avenue and stole a backpack with a MacBook Pro laptop inside.

Reported at 1:44 p.m.: An opportunistic burglar got into an unlocked Porsche in the 4400 block of Bordeaux Avenue and rummaged through it.

May 20

Reported at 6:49 a.m.: A mischief maker vandalized a vehicle on Southwestern Boulevard overnight.

Reported at 8:48 a.m.: A stinky situation after someone left feces on a stairwell at a building in Snider Plaza.

May 21

Reported at 7:51 a.m.: A burglar easily got into an Audi that’d been left unlocked in the 4500 block of Lorraine Avenue, but didn’t appear to have taken anything.

May 23

Reported at 3:55 p.m.: A thief took stuff from a place on Lovers Lane.

May 27

Reported at 8:52 a.m.: A ne’er do well got into a home on Westminster Avenue.

Reported at 9:04 a.m.: A crook took stuff from a construction site on Marquette Street.

Reported at 4:32 p.m.: A fraudster used the credit card information of a University Park resident on Druid Lane.

May 28

Reported at 5 p.m.: A swindler used the banking information of a resident on Shenandoah Avenue.

May 29

Reported at 6:29 p.m.: A stealer took stuff from a vehicle on Hillcrest Avenue.

May 31

Reported at 11:45 a.m. May 31: A mischief maker may have stolen mail from a home on Marquette Street.

June 1

Reported at 11:27 a.m.: A porch pirate pilfered two bicycles from a porch on Wentwood Drive.

in 2018, they included parking with driveway access and lighting, a public access trail connection to the Bachman Lake Hike and Bike Trail, a pavilion, signage, seating, trash receptacles, landscaping, and irrigation, according to city meeting records.

Ryan Moore, President of Friends of Bachman Lake, said he’s hopeful the trailhead project will start soon. In addition to improving safety, the project would give visitors more opportunities to enjoy precious greenspace.

“Ultimately what we hope to see over on the Bachman Creek greenbelt side is a

transformation of this space (into) a fully designed Texas native arboretum,” he said. “It has all of the building blocks; it just needs a little bit of dedicated advocacy.”

The Friends of Bachman Lake, for their part, have been working on clearing densely packed privet to make the trails more usable.

“Back in 2021 is when the Friends group started working with some other nonprofits and outdoor restoration groups and they carved out the first mile of nature trail,” Moore said. “That was the first time that you could really navigate throughout the greenbelt.”

Reported at 12:44 p.m.: A burglar broke into a VW Taos in the 4500 block of Fairfax Avenue by breaking a driver’s side window, but didn’t take anything.

Reported at 3:10 p.m.: A fraudster forged the information of a person on Purdue Street.

June 2

Reported at 6:44 a.m.: A crook busted a window of a Lexus GX460 in the 4500 block of Westway Avenue and swiped various tools worth $1,850.

Reverse theft? Reported at 8:45 p.m.: A mischief maker shattered the window of a Ford F-150 in the 4500 block of Fairway Avenue, and left a duffel bag behind the truck, but didn’t take anything.

June 3

Reported at 9:18 a.m.: A ne’er do well damaged property at a gas station on Preston Road.

Reported at 2:09 p.m.: A stealer swiped a briefcase from a vehicle on Larchmont Avenue.

June 4

Reported at 4:53 a.m: A pilferer broke into a vehicle in the 4500 block of Fairway Avenue and took a $250 Versace cologne bottle that was chipped on the bottom.

Reported at 5:53 a.m.: A jerk broke a window of a Toyota Tacoma in the 4500 block of Fairway Avenue and stole a Yeti backpack containing a camera tripod and various lenses worth about $1,200 that was later found at a nearby curb.

June 5

Reported at 11:45 a.m.: A crook took $200 cash from inside a Volkswagen Tiguan parked in the 4300 block of Po tomac Avenue.

Reported at 10 a.m.: A stealer took a ring from a home on Hanover Street.

June 7

Reported at 3:58 p.m.: A reckless driver hit a Cadillac 600 in Highland Park Village and drove off without leaving information.

Reported at 2:50 p.m.: A thief stole a firearm from the restroom of a restaurant on Lovers Lane.

June 6

Reported at 10:58 a.m.: A burglar stole a bicycle from a home on Purdue Street.

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The Legacy We Leave Behind

A year after the Kerr County floods claimed the lives of 27 young girls at Camp Mystic, green ribbons can still be found throughout the Park Cities.

They flutter from trees along neighborhood streets, appear near schools, and quietly remind us of a tragedy that touched so many families in our community. What began as a gesture of support has become something more, a visible reminder that even after a year has passed, these girls have not been forgotten.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the floods and remember the 27 young girls whose lives were lost, I find myself thinking not only about their families, but about the legacy these girls have left behind.

Legacy is a word we often associate with age, accomplishment, or a lifetime of achievements. We assume it is something built over decades. But the stories that have emerged over the past year remind us that legacy has very little to do with how long someone lives and everything to do with how they live.

As I have read about these girls and the countless tributes shared by family members and friends, one theme appears again and again. People don’t talk first about accomplishments, awards, or future plans. They talk about kindness, friendship, and faith. They talk about a young girl who dreamed of becoming a veterinarian because she loved caring for animals. They talk about daughters who looked out for younger siblings, friends who made others feel included, and girls whose joy, compassion, and generosity left an impression far beyond their years. They talk about girls who cared deeply about the people around them and brought light wherever they went.

As parents, we spend so much time focused on helping our children succeed. We worry about academics, sports, col -

lege applications, leadership opportunities, and preparing for the future. Those things certainly matter, but reading these stories has been a reminder that character matters even more.

When people remember someone they love, they rarely begin with a resume. They remember how that person made them feel. They remember the friend who noticed when someone was sitting alone, the teammate who offered encouragement, the daughter who loved fiercely, the sister who made everyone laugh, and the child who showed kindness when no one was watching.

Those are the things that endure.

Over the past year, many families have found meaningful ways to carry these girls’ memories forward through foundations, service projects, scholarships, and charitable efforts. Their lives continue to inspire acts of generosity and compassion, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the people who knew them personally.

Perhaps that is why the green ribbons continue to resonate with so many of us. They serve as a reminder not only of loss, but also of love. They remind us that even the shortest lives can leave an extraordinary impact and that the measure of a life is not found in its length but in the lives it touches.

As we remember these 27 young girls and the families who continue to carry their memories every day, perhaps we can also take a moment to reflect on the legacy we are creating in our own homes and communities.

At the end of the day, it won’t be our accomplishments that people remember most. It will be our kindness, our generosity, and the way we made others feel.

Martha Jackson, host of The Bubble Lounge Podcast, has lived in University Park for 20 years. She’s passionate about connecting with fellow moms, supporting local businesses, and finding humor in the chaos. You can find her at bubblelounge.net and on Instagram @bubbleloungepodcast.

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Driverless Vehicle Rollout Not All Smooth Sailing in Dallas

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Park Cities and Preston Hollow residents have shared the roads with autonomous vehicles this year. But some reports suggest that mistakes can happen with technology behind the wheel.

Ride-hailing services with autonomous vehicle technology operating in Dallas include Avride from Uber, Tesla’s Robotaxi, and Waymo, though a human is in the driver’s seat to supervise Avride vehicles. An Amazon subsidary, Zoox, announced in March that it also plans to serve the area.

Several autonomous vehicles have spotty driving records in the Park Cities. Highland Park Department of Public Safety spokesperson Lt. Lance Koppa said staff have been trained on how to interact with the vehicles and who to contact when they encounter bumps in the road.

Koppa said his department was called Jan. 14 to Byron Avenue near Armstrong Elementary School regarding an autonomous vehicle that appeared to be stalled. He said law enforcement was able to communicate with the company and resolve the issue.

Another driverless vehicle without a passenger made an improper turn in Highland Park on Feb. 9, Koppa said. An officer alerted a representative of the company and issued a verbal warning.

A third autonomous vehicle stopped in the 4100 block of Mockingbird Lane with flashers activated on March 27. An officer used the driverless vehicle’s speaker system to inform the company, and the

vehicle moved on.

A spokesperson for the University Park Police Department said the department hasn’t yet received reports of any issues regarding autonomous vehicles.

“The department continues to monitor these vehicles closely and will respond as needed should any concerns

arise,” a UPPD spokesperson added.

In Dallas, a Waymo garnered headlines around the state this May when it was caught on dashcam video allegedly running a red light at the intersection of Irving Boulevard and Inwood Road.

A Waymo spokesperson noted that the service provides about 500,000 driv -

Highland Park Transit Service Garners New Riders

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Highland Park’s microtransit service has picked up speed — along with more than 100 riders — since launching on May 13. But officials are still working to ensure that all potential passengers know they have a seat in the town’s new rides.

Highland Park Department of Public Safety Lt. Lance Koppa said four vehicles serve the town’s new transit program, of which two are paratransit capable.

As of June 2, 595 trips had been completed using the Highland Park On-Demand service and 479 accounts had been created for the app, according to Letecia McNatt, Highland Park Director of Policy Development and Strategic Initiatives. McNatt added that the service also had six active paratransit riders as of June 2.

Town officials say they’re still working to raise awareness of the new transit service. Efforts include English-and Spanish-language signage advertising Highland Park On-Demand, particularly along Preston Road near where DART buses previously stopped. The town had faced criticism after reports that initial signage did not include information in Spanish.

erless trips across the country each week, is “committed to rolling out this technology responsibly and (has) systems in place to monitor and adjust our operations accordingly.”

In May, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began a preliminary investigation after receiving reports of crashes in Dallas and Austin that occurred while the Avride automated driving system was engaged, even though a human was supervising the technology from behind the wheel.

According to the NHTSA, during each crash the vehicles were either changing lanes or responding to other vehicles or objects in the lane ahead. The crashes involved property damage and one alleged minor injury.

“The (automated driving system’s) performance in these crashes may indicate inappropriate assertiveness and insufficient competence to execute these driving behaviors in a safe manner and may also constitute traffic safety violations,” NHTSA added.

Avride acknowledged the preliminary investigation in a statement and said it reports incidents involving its vehicles to the NHTSA for transparency. The company continued that it has made changes to address incidents reported between Dec. 2025 and March 2026.

“We look forward to a constructive dialogue that supports the continued progress of the autonomous vehicle industry,” an Avride spokesperson said. “As part of our standard safety protocol, every incident undergoes a structured review that includes identifying and evaluating root causes.”

Some employees in Highland Park shopping centers said on June 4 that they weren’t yet using Highland Park On-Demand.

Employees at Sadelle’s in Highland Park Village and Barsotti’s in the Shops of Highland Park said they hadn’t heard of the new service.

A manager at Mi Cocina in Highland Park Village had the Highland Park On-Demand app on his phone but said he was unaware of its service area.

The manager at Mi Cocina and another manager at Honor Bar in

Highland Park Village both said most employees wouldn’t need a replacement for DART. They primarily drive to an employee parking area, then use a pre-existing shuttle service to commute to the restaurants where they work.

An employee of Coupe’s in the Shops of Highland Park said she knew of a few people who have had to change their transportation plans since town voters opted out of DART.

About 70% of Highland Park voters favored exiting the Dallas

Area Rapid Transit (DART) system in a May 2 special election. Meanwhile, University Park voters opted to remain part of DART.

The Highland Park Town Council began planning for an exit before voters made their choice. By May 2, the council had already approved a budget amendment to fund the program in partnership with Via Transportation. The Highland Park On-Demand service launched after the vote was canvassed in Highland Park on May 13.

“The commitment from the

ABOUT HIGHLAND PARK ON-DEMAND

Highland Park On-Demand serves the Town of Highland Park and a 1-mile area outside the town limits.

Cost: Free during the six-month pilot program

How to request a ride: Download the Highland Park On-Demand app using the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, create an account, enter your pick-up spot and destination, and request a ride. Riders can also call 214-785-4345 to book a ride.

Hours: 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday – Sunday

Highland Park Access serves paratransit riders who are unable to use fixed-route transit services unassisted.

Cost: The base fare is $3.50

How to book: Pre-schedule rides through the app or by calling 214785-4345. Rides must be booked by 5 p.m. the prior day.

team, both within the town specifically and the Via support team, has been to ensure continuity of service remains,” McNatt said. She said the town will continue collecting data about the rollout of the new system and how it is being used. Some riders have already reported using Highland Park On-Demand to commute to work, school, or appointments.

COURTESY WAYMO

The town of Highland Park launched the Highland Park On-Demand transit service after voters in the town decided to exit DART. COURTESY TOWN OF HIGHLAND PARK

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CELEBRATE HOME

Schools

CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2026!

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Highland Park High School honored traditions and showcased emerging talents during Class of 2026 commencement exercises on May 22 at SMU’s Moody Coliseum.

The graduation ceremony’s highlights included a guitar and vocal duet from seniors Isaiah Lee and Jaron Pierce, as well as a clarinet solo of What a Wonderful World by senior Ian Hyde.

The evening also stayed true to the customs that are most closely associated with Highland Park ISD.

The ceremony began with music from the Highland Park Symphony Orchestra, along with high school bagpipers Olivia Allan and Jackson Cruz. It closed with a singing of the Highland Park High School alma mater and the traditional raising of graduation caps.

Salutatorian Bradley Liang, who had a GPA of 4.729, and valedictorian Henry Zhu, whose GPA was 4.782, each began their time at the podium by thanking the teachers, friends, and family members who had made their success possible.

Liang told the audience “I hate it when a guy gets on stage and thanks half a million people. I’ll keep this list short.” He then unfurled a list of people to thank that stretched to the floor, to laughter from students and families.

Zhu spoke about the value of time, commenting that, “People like to say that time is money, but it’s not just money. It’s the only thing that we have.” He urged classmates to devote their energies to the people, dreams, and passions that make them who they are.

Zhu and Liang placed first and second in a class of 540 students that included standouts in academics, athletics, and the arts.

“Success at Highland Park isn’t just an

achievement, it’s a standard,” class secretary Carter Sutton told the graduation audience. “That takes grit and determination.”

The class of 2026 included 18 national merit finalists and 24 national merit commended students. Sixteen seniors will pursue a fine arts major in college, and 36 seniors will continue to balance academics with competitive athletics, Sutton said.

The Class of 2026 devoted 67,671 hours to community service, he continued. Two students contributed more than 1,300 hours, and 13 students served for at least 500 hours.

Principal Kevin Hunt said that he was proud of the class’ achievements, but that numbers told only part of its story at Highland Park High School.

“Fellow Scots, I have found you to be an incredibly determined and diligent group of students and scholars,” Hunt said. He continued that students will be faced with

TOP 10 IN THE HPHS CLASS OF 2026

Valedictorian: Henry Zhu

Salutatorian: Bradley Liang

Izzy Arnold

Hannah Birdwell

Spencer Haag

Lucas Johnson

Kate McCarty

Mateo Meade

Elsa Meck

Jacob Neilson

challenging choices in the future, and that he hoped they prioritized treating others with kindness, respect, and dignity.

“Be a light of hope in our world. Choose to focus on what is positive and what is possible,” he said, adding later. “I am proud of each of you, and I am thankful for the opportunity to get to know you. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your principal.”

2026 Blanket Award Winners Go Forth to Serve

HPHS award winners tallied a combined 672 hours of community service

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Highland Park High School’s Blanket Award winners lived out the school’s motto, “Enter to learn. Go Forth to Serve,” through their volunteerism and accomplishments while on campus.

Boone Bonfield and Cate Young, the 2026 award recipients, served together on the student council and dedicated a combined 672 hours to community service.

Both also managed to maintain a GPA of at least 4.44 while spending three hours each school day on extracurricular activities. They said their motivation was simple — they wanted to spread happiness to other people.

“That was my goal throughout high school, to be a joy and a light in a place where there’s a lot of pressure to perform, achieve, and get in the right college,” Bonfield said. “So getting to be this person who actually has a role to go love people, to serve people; that was really special to me.”

Young likewise said she’s fortunate to have had opportunities to give back.

“I was so lucky to be raised in a community that facilitated so much learning and education, both in the classroom and in extracurriculars and around the community,” she said. “I feel honored to have tried to give back to it as much as I could.”

Bonfield said he particularly enjoyed working with Voice of Hope Ministries, a faith-based organization serving children and families in West Dallas and beyond through academic support, spiritual formation, and community engagement. While volunteering, Bonfield realized that, despite living different lives, the people he was assisting shared his strug -

gles and ambitions.

“I feel like they taught me just as much as I probably taught them just from getting to hear their stories, and hear what they’re about,” Bonfield added of the people he served through Voice of Hope Ministries. He is an Eagle Scout who also has

served with Brother Bill’s Helping Hand.

“It’s such a great privilege to have the opportunities I’ve had in high school to serve, to lead, to get to be part of student council honor council ambassadors,” Bonfield said. “To have that role and practice what it means to enter to learn, go forth to serve.”

Young said she served on the student council all four years of her high school career, in addition to playing on the varsity basketball team and volunteering.

Young said she particularly enjoyed serving with CitySquare Food Pantry, Genesis Women’s Shelter, and New Friends New Life.

During her sophomore year, she founded Club 72, an organization celebrating women’s athletics on campus. The club is named for 1972, the year Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity, was passed.

“That was an honor for me to get to lead things like that,” Young said. “And now getting to pass it down to a couple of younger girls who are super tenacious and excited to keep the message going — those are the things I loved being involved in.”

After growing up across the street from one another, serving on the student council together, and being recognized as the 2026 Blanket Award honorees, Bonfield will head to Vanderbilt University, while Young will head to Princeton University.

High School Intern Learns What Makes a Perfect Investment Pitch

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

This network of Park Cities area business leaders and entrepreneurs isn’t only adding value to investment portfolios.

The Park Cities Angel Network, a nonprofit organization of investors from the Park Cities and Preston Hollow, offers capital to help get fledgling companies off the ground, as well as guidance, feedback, and mentorship.

This semester, the network expanded its reach to students with an interest in venture capital by taking on a high school intern through a partnership with the Highland Park High School Moody Advanced Professional Studies (MAPS) program.

Highland Park High School junior Eva Madden, the network’s inaugural intern, said she’s built valuable connections through the experience. For Madden, reviewing companies for potential investors that can result in real deals is simply part of the job.

“I just wanted to see what venture capital is like,” Madden said. “I feel like it’s really valuable to have a lot of connections in the Dallas area for business.”

For the Park Cities Angels, collaboration is the point of the internship program.

“Anything we can do to bring

value to MAPS or any program inside the high school is an opportunity for us,” The Park Cities Angel Network’s founder and managing director Trey Bowles said.

Bowles explained that the network aims to teach students how to do their due diligence when identifying quality companies.

As part of the program, students learn how to find or recruit com-

panies that might be interested in applying for funding and evaluate them for potential investment.

Both the companies and the opportunity that investments create are real. And so are the benefits for the network’s young interns.

“It’s such a game changer for them as they’re trying to build up a resume of experiences as they go to college, and graduate, and want

to get involved in private equity or venture capital,” Bowles said.

Moody Innovation Institute Director Geoffrey Orsak called the internship and partnership with Park Cities Angels a “natural fit” for the MAPS program.

“It translates what they’re learning in the classroom (into) the real world,” Orsak said. “It’s been part of our dream that this would be the

ABOUT PARK CITIES ANGEL NETWORK AND HOW TO BECOME AN INTERN

The Park Cities Angel Network is a nonprofit that connects Park Cities and Preston Hollow investors to early-stage companies. Supported companies can choose to donate 1% of their business to the Highland Park Education Foundation. The Park Cities Angel Network plans to offer spring, summer, and fall internships. For more information, visit parkcitiesangels.com.

outcome for MAPS students.”

Bowles is a longtime supporter of MAPS. He has worked with Orsak on programs including the lemonade stand project, which challenges students to run their own version of the classic childhood business, and recruited business leaders to participate in Scots Tank, the MAPS program’s annual entrepreneurship competition.

“The most important thing we can do for students around entrepreneurship is not teach them to be entrepreneurs or not be entrepreneurs,” explained Bowles, who founded his own venture studio, 1845 Ventures, last year. “I think it’s teaching them an entrepreneurial mindset — things like problem solving, creativity, this approach to failure, which is it’s not failing. It’s learning.”

Highland Park High School junior Eva Madden, who is the first intern with the Park Cities Angel Network, participates in the pitch competition portion of Scots Tank. RACHEL SNYDER

2026 Blanket Award recipients Boone Bonfield and Cate Young. SARAH HODGES

A NEW CHAPTER: SENIORS REFLECT ON BEGINNING THEIR COLLEGE JOURNEYS

Possibly, the hardest part of being a high school graduate is leaving home. For the six students in this article, home is the Park Cities and Preston Hollow. These students have spent the better part of their lives following the same routines: their schools’ carpool lines, sports competitions, school dances, and Friday night stadiums. And now, almost all at once, that familiarity comes to a close.

Student journalism leaders from The Episcopal School of Dallas and Highland Park High School sat down with the six graduating seniors, from various schools in the Dallas area, to talk about leaving home and the meaning of starting a new chapter. What emerged was something honest and unexpected: a glimpse of a generation on the edge of departure, shaped by their community, ready to step beyond it. What follows are excerpts from the roundtable conversation.

What does home mean to you?

Bauer I think your true home is being with who you like, your friends, all that, being able to feel comfortable around them. It’s more of a true home than anything else.

Hutch I’ve lived in Dallas my entire life, so I know the streets, I know the stores, I know the restaurants, I know all of that. And I would consider that part of home as little, tiny things that bring memories to me.

Sarah Home is the environment or space that gives you the best people to grow into the best version of yourself with the values that have shaped you into who you are. I feel like home transcends the place where you grew up.

What does leaving home mean to you?

Bauer I think one of the reasons why I’m leaving is just because I want to meet new people from different places, not just the same 20 guys I’ve been with for the last 15 years. I want to go out and talk to new people and meet new people from different backgrounds.

Adam It’s a hard transition to make, but realizing that the transition is possible to make is reassuring because it helps you grow, right? It’ll help you grow as a person. That’s one of the reasons why I’m encouraged to leave home and make this change.

Biviyana

Leaving home is finding myself, truly finding myself

in a space I’m not used to. I feel like that just opens so many different worlds, different perspectives, opens up different understandings about people.

Are you fundamentally the same person as you were in first grade, or have you morphed into a different person?

Kate I moved around a lot when I was younger but always having that stability of a strong family connection really helped me remain the same fundamental person. When I was younger, I was very shy, and I’ve definitely come out of my shell. I was very nerdy and bookish, and now I write for a newspaper and write poetry, so I think fundamentally I am the same person. I’ve just grown like everyone else does.

terests have changed, the friendships, where I go to school, tons of things. But the values and the framework of my family and of myself have stayed the same.

Biviyana

For me, I feel like I have changed. My family had strong values, but as I grew up, social media, different perspectives, moving around, I have different values that I pick and choose from what I grew up with.

What is one lesson that high school taught you that you’ll take with you?

Sarah

The word that stuck out to me was ‘fundamentally.’ My in-

Sarah

Do things that are rooted in purpose that fulfill me and bring me joy in my life. For me, it’s to be selfless and really support the people around me.

Bauer

I would say talk to as many people as you can talk to — the person

in your class that maybe you were a little closed off to because, I don’t know, maybe you have a different opinion than them. But when you talk to them, you realize that you have a lot more shared interests and commonalities than you would have thought.

Hutch I would say one thing high school taught me was the courage to trust in others. You have to rely on others, so you have to trust them and their capabilities, and you have to prove that you are worth supporting.

Do you have a personal mission statement?

Adam There were two concepts that were introduced to me, one being the Golden Rule — treat others

Biviyana Bhattarai, Highland Park High School, leaving for Massachusetts

Kate Ponnambalam, The Greenhill School, leaving for Connecticut

Adam Dalrymple, St. Mark’s School of Texas, leaving for Massachusetts

Sarah Moskowitz, The Hockaday School, leaving for New Hampshire

Hutch Brooker, Highland Park High School, leaving for North Carolina

Bauer Berkley, The Episcopal School of Dallas, leaving for Florida

GLENYS QUICK

College Journeys

how you would like to be treated. The other is to not use others as a means to an end but treat them as an end (in themselves).

Hutch For as long as I can remember, every day before I’ve gone off to school, my dad would tell me: work hard, be nice, have fun. I don’t think he skipped a day since elementary school, middle school, high school. Holding that to my heart helps me get through the day.

Biviyana

Mine is ‘you do you.’ It’s not embarrassing unless you think it’s embarrassing. You can’t be put down unless you put yourself down. Same thing about leaving home, if you’re going to study abroad, if you’re staying in Texas, do whatever’s best for you. I think there’s this word called “sonder,” the idea that every single passerby

has a completely different life that you have no idea about.

Kate Choose kind. Kindness encapsulates a lot of different important values in life. Kindness is respect; kindness is compassion; kindness is empathy. Whatever situation you’re in, leading with kindness will always benefit you and the people around you. Being kind never really costs you anything, and it can really mean a lot to someone.

What are you most excited about when it comes to leaving for college?

Hutch I’m excited to go out there, learn as much as I can, and meet as many new people as I can. I know I’ll change a lot, but I feel like that’s not something to necessarily be afraid of.

Adam I’m excited to meet new people who have different ideas and perspectives that I can learn from and grow from.

Kate I’m really excited about trying new things and also having the time to explore those new things.

What is one thing that you are nervous about?

Sarah I’m nervous about being able to keep all my relationships that I have now as strong as they are.

Bauer It’s going to be weird not being able to walk downstairs when I’m heading to school and say

bye to my mom and dad. (Not to) be able to say bye to my dogs. I’m excited for it, still, of course, nervous for that big change.

Biviyana I’m really nervous about leaving people behind.

Adam I anticipate losing some friendships and connections. That’s scary for me because I’ve been around a lot of these guys for so long.

Kate I’m afraid of failure. In my life, I tend to do the things that I know I’ll be the most suc -

cessful at. I feel like in college, it’s a little scary trying to venture out and try new things and knowing that I probably will fail at something — but just know that that’s okay.

Hutch I am nervous of not having the connections that I’ve had all my life here.

This roundtable conversation was moderated by Highland Park High School’s 2025 – 2026 Editor-in-Chief of the Bagpipe newspaper Olivia-Sophie Keijsers Koning and Modern Media student Liliana Rodriguez and The Episcopal School of Dallas 2026 – 2027 Eagle Edition newspaper Editors-in-Chief Gracie Nealon and Lilly Traylor. The original discussion has been edited for length and clarity.

Illustrations by ESD Eagle Edition 2026 - 2027 web Co-Editor-in-Chief Josephine Holmes.

Dedicated Teacher and School Administrator to Lead Christ the King

The school’s new principal joined its community for the first time

By Kevin Utz Special Contributor

Christ the King School conducted a nationwide search for its new principal. But the best candidate was already on campus.

Rosemary Kohut had been Christ the King’s assistant principal since 2021 and a member of the school community for more than a decade.

She had first connected with Christ the King even earlier. When Kohut joined its staff as a fifth-grade teacher in 1999, she knew immediately that the Catholic school on Colgate Avenue was a perfect fit.

“I felt like I was coming home,” she said. “It was like I always belonged here.”

Kohut, who has a background in business, left Christ the King in 2003 to help her husband get a new venture off the ground.

But she understood the impact of outstanding teachers and enjoyed the experience of watching students learn concepts such as multiplication, reading, and writing.

“Seeing this bulb go off in their head makes it all worthwhile,” Kohut said.

When she called then-Christ the King principal Rosemary Seltzer about possibly returning about 15 years ago, Seltzer asked if Kohut could substitute the next week.

in 1999

She didn’t have any doubts about her ability to serve as Christ the King’s principal when she applied for the role — and neither did the school. After a unanimous decision from the search committee, Christ the King announced in April that Kohut would be its new principal.

Pastor of Christ the King Church and School Rev. Anthony (Tony) F. Lackland explained that her new role is a natural steppingstone for Kohut. Her resume and commitment to Christ the King distinguished her as clearly best candidate.

“She knows the rhythm of life on this campus. She has prior experience and lived experience here,” Lackland said. “She can take it to the next level.”

Kohut had always wanted to broaden her impact as a principal and welcomed the opportunity to move to administration in 2018 and become Christ the King’s dean of students.

Kohut took on the role of interim music teacher until an English and math teaching position opened in the upper school. She accepted that position in 2011 and has been at Christ the King since.

Kohut called learning that the committee had selected her as the next principal of Christ the King one of the happiest days of her life.

“I’m excited about the gifts that she has, the gifts that she will use and bring in leadership here,” Lackland said. “She checks all the boxes for me.”

FROM LEFT: Pastor of Christ the King Church and School Rev. Anthony (Tony) F. Lackland, Rosemary Kohut, and Christ the King president Patrick O’Sullivan. COURTESY RON HUDSON

HP Academic Decathlon Team Earns Top Marks

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Highland Park ISD captured the state title this spring in a competition that required academic strength, mental agility, and intellectual discipline.

A team of eight students from Highland Park High School placed first in the medium school division of the state Academic Decathlon competition in San Antonio. Highland Park went on to become one of just five teams to represent Texas at the national championship in California.

The grueling contest tested students’ knowledge in seven subject areas: art, literature, economics, math, music, science, and social science. In addition, team members each gave two speeches, one prepared and one impromptu, participated in an interview, and were judged on essay writing. Finally, they showcased their expertise during a public Super Quiz where any subject area was fair game, but the results did not count toward the team’s total score.

The decathlon wasn’t just for top students. Team members were divided into three categories based on their grade-point averages, and two scores from each category counted toward Highland Park’s total.

The team’s strategy was simple. Study.

“You have to study the material. You have to make sure that it’s always in your head,” explained David Alvarado, who co-sponsored the team with Alex Murchison. “You can’t just study the night before. That’s not going to work.”

Many team members began their journey toward state by preparing during the sum-

mer. After school started in August, they took practice tests during their lunch periods. As the state competition neared, some students spent about six hours each week practicing for the exams. Then, the team arrived early in San Antonio for the state championship and devoted several days to studying before taking the tests.

“Obviously it’s difficult, but I think at the end of the day we all enjoy it, and we find it rewarding,” senior Angela Gonzalez said. “That’s why we’re here.”

“It’s really just a sport about studying,” added senior Preston Houghton.

Athletic teams would be envious of Highland Park’s winning record in the classroom.

This was the program’s seventh state title in its size category since 2016. In four of those years, Highland Park ranked first in the state among schools of any size.

“I think there’s a team expectation to excel,” Gonzalez said, remarking that the team has performed well every year that Alvarado has been at its helm. “We all rise to the occasion.”

Team members each received $1,000 scholarships for their win. But the opportunity to connect with talented students from around the state and learn new material were rewards in themselves.

Senior Dominic Pogue, who plans to study art history in college, said that he had particularly enjoyed learning about art, while

NATIONAL INDIVIDUAL WINNERS

Highland Park High School’s academic decathlon students shone both individually and as a team on the national stage.

Individual medalists at the national competition in California were:

Music

Preston Houghton - Second Place

Dominic Pogue – Third Place

Science

Preston Houghton – First Place

Literature

Dominic Pogue – Second Place

Sophia Jiang – Third Place Art

Dominic Pogue – Second Place

junior Sophia Jiang’s favorite portion of the competition was impromptu speaking.

“Of course you get to bring home medals, and they look all nice and shiny. But you’re really building life-long study skills. With interview, you’re building interactive skills,” Houghton said. “All of these skills are going to carry on, not just through high school, but into college and into your later life.”

The team ended its season by finishing sixth overall out of 69 teams from around the country at the national championship. But Alvarado said he hoped students had learned more than just decathlon facts.

“I want them to be able to see what they’re capable of,” he said. “I just hope they take that with them, that they understand that they do have the potential to achieve what they want to achieve.”

BACK, FROM LEFT: Alex Murchison, David Alvarado, Angela Gonzalez, Tiggy Tan, Preston Houghton, Dominic Pogue, and Noah Draney with a member of the Academic Decathlon Board of Directors. FRONT: Diya Karamchandani, Josie Bowman, and Sophia Jiang. COURTESY

ALL-DISTRICT ACCOLADES

HP baseball players rack up 12-5A honors

By Justin Thomas People Newspapers

The 2026 campaign was another successful one for Highland Park’s baseball team. The Scots returned to the postseason yet again after adding another district championship to the trophy case.

HP posted a 24-11 record overall, in-

cluding an 11-3 mark in District 12-5A before advancing to the area round of the playoffs under head coach Travis Yoder, who resigned from his post following the season after 20 years with the program.

Recently, members of HP’s district-winning squad were honored with inclusion on the all-district team, including multiple players who nabbed superlative honors.

Galloping to Gold

HP’s Wortman takes first at state in 800

Leading the charge were junior Cole Flashnick and senior Tripp Mattison, who were named the Offensive Player of the Year and Reliever of the Year, respectively.

Flashnick was named the district’s top offensive player for the second consecutive season after hitting .471 with two homers, 21 runs, 18 RBIs and eight stolen bases.

Yoder noted that had Flashnick not

By Justin Thomas People Newspapers

Wortman took first in the 800-meter run at the Class 5A championships, finishing with a time of 2:11.25 to outpace freshman Presley Merkens of Boerne (2:11.99) in second and senior Aaliyah Williams of White Settlement Brewer (2:12.83) in third.

received top honors offensively, he would have been in the hunt for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Mattison, a Swarthmore College signee, also earned his second consecutive superlative after being named top reliever in 2025.

In district, Mattison went 4-0 with a 0.32 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 22 innings.

Following for HP with first-team nods were senior designated hitter Isaac Hutchinson, senior catcher Parker Yoder, senior second baseman Adam Richey, sophomore infielder James Siegler, senior outfielder Martin True, senior outfielder and pitcher Henry Gahagan, junior infielder and pitcher Ryan Donahoe, and junior outfielder Leif Richey.

Hutchinson hit .314 with 10 runs and 10 RBIs while filling multiple roles at the field and at designated hitter and pitcher, while Yoder was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year and had just seven stolen bases attempted against him all season while hitting 2.92.

Adam Richey was praised for his consistency both offensively and defensively, as was brother Leif, who was critical in solidifying the bottom of the lineup.

Siegler, meanwhile, hit .444 for the Scots and bounced back in a big way after injuries derailed his freshman season, while Virginia commit Donohoe is a player who coach Yoder anticipates a “big season” for in 2027 after going 2-1 with 1.10 ERA.

Brown signee Gahagan, meanwhile, posted HP’s lowest ERA (0.74) while going 4-0, and really stepped up according to coach Yoder, while True provided strong defense across the outfield.

Honorable mentions went to sophomore Charlie Flint and seniors Gabe Nowak, Ronan Moreland and Charles Brewer.

Ironically, HP’s last gold-medalist also came in the 800 when Maddy Stephens took first in 2018 (2:13.00).

“It’s just an amazing feeling,” Wortman said. “It’s something that I wasn’t expecting at all. It was surprising to me, and I had to kind of blink and make sure it was real.

“When we were passing the last 50 mark, it was still kind of tight, and at the end there wasn’t a ton of space, but I could tell I was going to win. It was just awesome.”

After her first-place run, Wortman received numerous congratulatory messages, including from Crank herself.

“That made me so proud,” Wortman said. “To see that kind of support and encouragement meant a lot. To know that not only people at home, but people all over the country were following me and thinking about me and wishing me luck and congratulating me, it’s just a very special feeling.”

“It was surprising to me, and I had to kind of blink and make sure it was real.”

Wortman’s finishing time was a personal-best and is less than one second off the school record set by Gabby Crank during her silver medal run at state in 2015 (2:10.60).

Adelaide Wortman

With the state meet now in the books and a gold medal in hand, Wortman will take some well-deserved time off before gearing up for her first varsity cross country season in the fall.

“The competition out there at state was incredible,” Wortman said. “I’ve never run against a field like that. I think that really pushed me and was a big reason I ran so well and had my best time.”

But HP head coach Susan Bailey isn’t concerned about any future complacency from Wortman.

“She’s a pretty fierce competitor,” Bailey said. “She does whatever is needed to win. That’s kind of her DNA. Not only is she so coachable, she has that extra gear and work ethic.”

Highland Park’s Cole Flashnick was named the District 12-5A Offensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. CHRIS MCGATHEY

Highland Park freshman Adelaide Wortman departed for the state track and field meet in Austin this May filled with excitement and hoping to gain valuable experience. The distance runner returned to Dallas as HP track and field’s first gold medal winner since 2018.

Highland Park freshman Adelaide Wortman took first place in the 800-meter run May 16 at the UIL Class 5A State Track and Field Championships in Austin. SUSAN BAILEY

Leaving His Mark Yoder steps down as HP baseball coach after 20 years with program

By Justin Thomas People Newspapers

Highland Park’s baseball team will have a new coach manning the dugout in 2027.

Travis Yoder, who had been with the program for 20 years, has resigned from his post. In his 13 seasons as HP’s head coach, Yoder led the Scots to numerous playoff berths and district titles, including one final championship in 2026.

His 13 seasons make him the second-longest tenured head coach in HP baseball history.

“It’s all about creating an experience for the kids that will last forever.”

Travis Yoder

Yoder said the decision is something he and his family had been pondering for years, and the time — which coincides with the graduation of his son and senior catcher Parker — finally felt right.

“When Parker was getting to high school, my wife and I talked about what a way to go out that would be,” Yoder said. “A couple years went by, and we didn’t give it much more thought, but over the last few years we began considering it again

and the time for a change just felt right.

“So I spoke with (HP athletic director) Jeremy (Gilbert) and he talked me through the process and was very supportive in my decision.”

Yoder added that moving closer to his home in McKinney, where his daughter just completed her sophomore year at McKinney North, also played a role.

“I’ve been driving two hours every day for work for years,” Yoder said. “Even before HP, I was in Dallas. I just thought the time was right to be closer to McKinney and to be closer to my daughter for her last few years of high school.

“We ended our baseball camp at HP (May 28) and it was perfect timing. And I’ll get to spend more time this summer

with Parker before he goes off to Arkansas as a student.”

Yoder added that he could potentially return to coaching in the future.

“It’s something I would consider if the right position became available,” he said. “And I know there are some great jobs out there right now. But for me, there’s no rush. I’m going to enjoy this summer.”

In the meantime, Yoder has reminisced on his time at HP, including finishing his tenure with a district title and berth in the area round of the Class 5A playoffs.

“I absolutely loved this season,” Yoder said. “When I started considering leaving, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t leaving on a sour note. This season was anything but that.”

He has also enjoyed hearing from former players and staff members since the conclusion of the season and is thankful for the relationships built during his time with the Scots.

“It’s never been about wins or losses for me,” Yoder said. “You could ask me right now how many wins I have as a head coach and I have no idea. I tell the kids all the time that the wins and losses will come and go, for me it’s all about creating an experience for the kids that will last forever. I’m blessed to have just been a small part of that and it’s something I will treasure forever … and having former players come back and seeing the success they’re having in life, I really cherish that. Highland Park has been so fantastic to me and it’s something I’ll never be able to repay.”

Travis Yoder resigned from his post as Highland Park’s head baseball coach following the 2026 season. MELISSA MACATEE

Home & Business

COTTON PATCH CAFE CEO DEBUTS SAFEWAY DRIVING

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

The CEO of Cotton Patch Cafe has added making the Park Cities and Preston Hollow safer to his menu of business goals.

Brandon Coleman, who served as CEO of TGI Fridays and held leadership roles with Dave & Buster’s and Del Frisco’s Grille before taking the helm at Cotton Patch Cafe, has opened the area’s first SafeWay Driving School at the corner of Hillcrest Avenue and Northwest Highway.

“My life’s all about leaving things better than I found them,” Brandon said. “I thought this was a great opportunity to invest in Dallas and the community, and to help people protect their kids and others on the road.”

SafeWay Driving’s methodology involves both online courses and hands-on driving instruction. The school uses a method called commentary driving, which teaches motorists to be proactive and identify potential threats before they become problems, Brandon explained.

Brandon knows the method works — both he and his brother, Brad, are SafeWay Driving graduates, and Brad is the company’s CEO.

“Having that experience and

seeing how a proactive method really created better driving — that was important to me,”

Brandon said.

Brad, a former NASCAR driver, bought SafeWay from the company’s founders in 2010, then sold it to a group of investors who ran it from 2013 to 2022, when Brad bought it back.

Comings and Goings

Brad said opening a location in the Park Cities area marks the accomplishment of a long-held goal.

“We had talked for a while, for years, about opening a SafeWay (in the area), and how well it would do for the community,” he said. “It’s had a special place in both of our hearts for a while just as graduates. In my NA -

OPEN

Humanaut Health Preston Center

The clinic providing comprehensive diagnostic testing, regenerative medicine, and other therapies is offering its services to the health-conscious Dallas community.

Jimmy Choo NorthPark Center

The luxe footwear-focused fashion brand has a new footprint spanning 1,398 square feet in NorthPark with a design adapted from the brand’s New

York Madison Avenue boutique.

Sueño Cocteleria Mexicana Snider Plaza

The Mexican fine-dining concept with an in-house masa program by Julio Pineda and Cristian Lujano has opened its second location, which features a live-fire kitchen and intimate tequila lounge. The expansion is in partnership with The Bellomy Group, the

family-owned company behind S&D Oyster Company, Rex’s Seafood, and Caché.

Punk Noir

139 Turtle Creek Blvd.

The tasting-menu-only restaurant led by James Beard Award–winning Chef RJ Cooper centered around a 20-course tasting menu has opened in a new 7,800 square feet space.

ABOUT SAFEWAY DRIVING

SafeWay Driving offers driving lessons for teenagers, adults and companies. Training packages include varying amounts of driving time and range in price from just under $1,000 to $2,990. The most comprehensive package includes a Department of Public Safetyauthorized road test.

To learn more, visit safewaydriving.com.

ence in restaurant leadership and his work as owner of SafeWay Driving’s new location. As a Park Cities resident and father, he’d noticed a dearth of commercial driving schools in the area.

“I saw a business that does it right, and I saw a community that was missing someone doing it right,” he said. “I think that the quality that Safeway Driving delivers is in line with what the people from the Park Cities expect.”

SCAR racing days, I got plugged back in with SafeWay through sponsor obligations initially.”

Brad said talking to students when he was a NASCAR driver about the dangers of distracted driving further drew him to SafeWay’s mission.

For Brandon, there is a throughline between his experi -

Joybird 4438 McKinney Ave, Suite 200

The retailer of fering handcrafted, customizable furniture has expanded into a new showroom in the Knox-Henderson neighborhood. In addition to room vignettes for living rooms, bedrooms, or lounges and an assortment of rugs, floor lamps, floor pillows, and other accessories, Joybird offers free design services.

COMING

Bvlgari

Coleman said there were three instructors as of late March at the Hillcrest Avenue location, and that the business was considering upping that number.

“The purpose of our brand is to prevent the phone call that nobody wants,” he added. “Our kids are what we care about the most, and driving is the most dangerous thing they’ll do.”

Fifth Third Bank

Preston Center

The financial institution will exit the Comerica Tower in Downtown Dallas for a new regional headquarters within two floors of a building being constructed at 8300 Douglas Avenue. The space is expected to be ready for move in by the fourth quarter of 2028.

CLOSED

Anchor Sushi Bar

6025 Royal Lane

Highland Park Village

The Italian luxury brand offering jewelry, watches, accessories and fragrances is set to add its sparkle to Highland Park Village later this year.

Campisi’s

5944 Royal Lane

The longtime Italian chain is expected to open a new, 1,170-square-foot location in the Preston-Royal area later this year, according to filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

The sushi spot has served up its last rolls, fish tacos, and martinis in Preston Hollow. There’s still an Anchor Sushi Bar location on Knox Street, though, and another Vandelay concept, El Molino, is expected to open in Anchor’s former Preston-Royal place.

Tiffany & Co.

Galleria Dallas

The nearly 200-year-old high-end jewelry retailer has closed its Galleria store after more than four decades.

—Compiled by Rachel Snyder

Brad Coleman is CEO of SafeWay Driving. His brother, Brandon, owns the Hillcrest Avenue location. COURTESY SAFEWAY DRIVING

Sueño Cocteleria Mexicana SAMANTHA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Jimmy Choo COURTESY NORTHPARK

Anchor Sushi Bar

COURTESY VANDELAY HOSPITALITY

Savoy-Trained Chef Gives Park Cities, Preston Hollow Diners the Royal Treatment

ByJosh Hickman

People Newspapers

London Savoy Hotel-trained chef Darren McGrady knows his way around a royal palace or two and is equally familiar with some of the finer homes in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow.

Following the celebrated wed-

ding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, the young culinarian dreamed of being a royal chef, so he wrote a letter to the Queen.

“Two weeks later, I had an interview,” he said, smiling. “Not long after that, I was rattling pans in the royal kitchens.”

He spent the next 11 years traveling around the world with the

asking him to be chef at Kensington Palace for her, William, and Harry. In the film Spencer (2021), Kristen Stewart played Diana, while Sean Harris from Mission: Impossible played Darren McGrady.

“In the opening scene, when the Princess gets out of the car and says, ‘Hello, Darren,’ I get goosebumps watching that, still,” he admitted.

McGrady remained private chef to the Princess for four years, until her tragic death in a car accident. Deciding it was time for a change, he distributed his résumé and became private chef to the family of Dee and Charles Wylie in Highland Park.

“I moved across as their private chef for 11 years,” he recalled, “then started my own catering company, Eating Royally.”

Queen and cooking for her at her residences, Windsor Castle and Balmoral Castle, and on Her Majesty’s Yacht Brittania.

“The Queen had 20 chefs,” he explained, “and I became that familiar face in the kitchen to Princess Diana.”

When she and Prince Charles separated, Diana called McGrady,

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In between, he wrote his first two cookbooks, Eating Royally and The Royal Chef at Home

“Now, I have a team of chefs, loads of servers, and a great front office team, too,” he noted. “I can’t tell you how many beef tenderloin dinners we do. It’s a Highland Park special. But one of our popular things, certainly that side of town, has been afternoon teas. I do a little history and etiquette with the tea, as well.”

FEAST LIKE A KING OR QUEEN

Visit eatingroyally.com, or search for @Darren_McGrady on YouTube to learn more about chef Darren

McGrady noted an upturn in local afternoon teas since shows such as The Crown and Downton Abbey became popular. Favorite tea pastries of the royal family are often included, such as the chef’s chocolate biscuit cake Prince William chose for his groom’s cake.

Other oft-requested local favorite dishes include the aforementioned beef tenderloin with a wild mushroom whisky-cream sauce (a favorite of the Queen), sticky toffee pudding, and McGrady’s signature bread and butter pudding — a favorite of Princess Diana, and a version she once told a Daily Mail reporter was the “best in the world.”

“We do everything, from American to Greek to French,” he said of the variety of requests, including many box-lunches. “We just did an eight-course Chinese New Year dinner.”

His popular YouTube channel, which surged during the pandemic, is filled with stories, recipes, and techniques, boasting nearly half a million subscribers.

“I would say half of our events are in Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, that area,” he observed. “It’s the quality. I think that’s what makes us stand out.”

London Savoy Hotel-trained chef Darren McGrady has brought favorites of Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana to the Park Cities and Preston Hollow. COURTESY EATING ROYALLY AND JOSH HICKMAN

McGrady

A Clear Vision for Success University Park’s ReadingGlasses.com Celebrates 40 Years

By Daniel Lalley Special Contributor

In the four decades since Robert and Peter Granoff opened Reading Glasses To Go on Lovers Lane, their fresh vision for the eyewear industry has helped transform how we shop for glasses.

The father-son duo’s store was the first in the world devoted exclusively to reading glasses.

“It’s wild to think we’ve seen the success we have in all this time,” said Peter. “My father and I started this business when I was in my late 20s. He was a serial entrepreneur and was frustrated by the mass-market options for reading glasses. I don’t even think I really knew what reading glasses were. But we quickly built a better alternative to the dusty drug store shelf standard.”

With Robert’s business acumen and Peter’s enthusiasm and eye toward the future, ReadingGlasses.com launched in the year 2000. In the early days of online shopping, this put them on the map as the first and largest online retailer devoted exclusively to reading glasses.

E-commerce wasn’t the only way this business adapted fast and embraced technology. Robert and Peter traveled the world, attending

optical industry events and building relationships with top manufacturers. Eventually, they got into the prescription glasses game, where Peter designed 18 signature lines.

“Over the years, we opened up to 20 stores,” said Peter. “We franchised around New Orleans, Tampa, Tulsa, and beyond. Our original store lasted all the way through COVID.”

In 2005, Goo Goo Eyes on Lovers Lane opened its doors and began offering a luxury shopping

experience complete with a customer lounge and coffee bar.

“Now, we’re able to offer our customers an incredible selection of high-end glasses and the level of service they deserve,” said Peter. “We’re still evolving our online shopping experience as well. With virtual try-on, Rx lenses, and other customer resources, we hope to exceed customer expectations no matter where they purchase.”   True to his cutting-edge nature,

Peter also hinted at some AI improvements in the future.

“We’re testing a number of capabilities in the off-hours,” he said. “So, we’re looking at new ways we can use it to further improve things for our customers as well.”

As a highly respected legend in the eyewear industry, Peter has quietly evolved the business over the past 40 years. In a world where hindsight is 20/20, this University Park business can look back and celebrate its legacy

as a truly transformative organization.

“I have to say we were very blessed to begin right here in Park Cities,” said Peter. “I call it Disneyland in a way. This community has been integral to our success.”

eyewear, visit Goo Goo Eyes at 4410 Lovers Lane.

FROM LEFT: Peter Granoff has worked with his father, Robert, to shape how we shop for eyewear with ReadingGlasses.com. The ReadingGlasses.com showroom at 3120 Commonwealth Drive. COURTESY READINGGLASSES.COM

The Adventures of Jonathan Flores

A new children’s book draws inspiration from the Park Cities.

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Bradfield Elementary custodian and crossing guard Sam Flores Sr. was beloved by generations of students, who remember the example he set through his kindness and dedication.

Now, Flores’ son is continuing to inspire children with the publication of his first book, which tells the story of a pony who discovers that his uniqueness is the source of his greatest strength.

Jonathan Martinez Flores remembered that his dad would call him “Jonny books” when he was growing up in the Park Cities.

“I think I always loved stories as a kid. I remember even in middle school making up stories,” he said. “I think that’s why film and TV drew me in.”

Jonathan’s book, The Adventures of Tony the Pony , takes inspiration from his own experience of growing up in the Park Cities, traveling to New York, making friends, and learning new things. The Flores family had a unique journey into the Park Cities Bubble, one that was made possible by Sam Sr.’s work at Bradfield.

Jonathan explained that he developed the character of Tony the pony by telling stories to children while babysitting. He compared Tony to Amelia Bedelia, the title character in a series of children’s books about a maid who is comically out of place, but who has a special talent that always saves the day.

“There was kind of a running trope of there’s this pony who’s an amazing pony,” Jonathan explained. “But he would do these other jobs because he didn’t really know who he was, what he was supposed to do as a pony.”

Jonathan, who is now an actor and co -

median living in New York, said he never expected to be a published author.

He called watching his self-published book come together “magical.” He credited a friend at Penguin Books and the contributions of illustrator David Chang, a calligrapher by trade who hadn’t illustrated a book before working on The Adventures of Tony the Pony, for helping make his vision a reality.

Jonathan is thankful for the support and generosity of the Park Cities community as well, and remarked that he couldn’t have asked for a better upbringing.

Jonathan, his mother, Hilda, and brothers Sam and Joshua were on hand recently for the Bradfield centennial festivities. A bench, dubbed “Sam’s corner” in

Jonathan said he wrote the book to bring joy to children and encouraged other aspiring writers to not be hesitant to ask for help. “Don’t be afraid to follow an idea,” he added. “Your viewpoint, your voice is to be shared.”

honor of Sam Flores Sr., remains in one corner of the school’s newly turfed field.

Jonathan Flores’ book was illustrated by David Chang and independently published.

Jonathan Martinez Flores with his new book, TheAdventuresofTonythePony.JEFFREY MCWHORTER

World Cup Fever Takes Root at the Park Spectators took in the World Cup opener from Klyde Warren Park

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb and Georgia Lokey

Fans haven’t needed to head to a stadium for a front-row view of the action at FIFA World Cup games.

Thousands of spectators joined the public watch parties presented by Klyde Warren Park June 11 through July 19. Lawn chairs and blankets dotted open-air greenspaces during the soccer showcase.

“Klyde Warren Park has al -

ways been Dallas’ town square — a place where people from every neighborhood, background, and culture come together to celebrate the moments that define our city,” said park president and CEO, Kit Sawers.

In expectation of the watch parties, the east and west sides of the park were transformed into a pedestrian plaza along Olive Street, creating what officials described as a safer and more connected experience for visitors

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moving between both sides of Dallas’ downtown area.

Michelle Odiedo was among those taking in the action from Klyde Warren Park on June 11, the day of the World Cup opener in which Mexico beat South Africa in Mexico City. It was her first time in the park.

“We all love watching soccer and then we have little siblings and they can also go play in the park,” Odiedo, who’d traveled from Tyler, said.

Gackie, Bennie and Maria Es -

pinoza also came to the park to support Mexico on June 11.

“The amount of people that showed up, it’s nice,” Bennie said.

Ann Spain, Kara Rago, and Julie Young manage property nearby and came to check out the crowd.

“We kind of wanted to see what the crowd was all about, how many people that are going to be down here,” Ann said.

Preparations for the park’s annual Independence Day event to be held July 4 overlapped with

the World Cup celebration, creating an opportunity for visitors to experience what park officials described as “an extraordinary summer for Dallas.”

A variety of offerings, including live music, food trucks, art installations, and family activities featuring special World Cup-inspired programming also enhanced the outdoor events.

“These watch parties extended the World Cup experience far beyond the stadium,” said Sawers.

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Soccer fans gather at Klyde Warren Park for a FIFA World Cup watch party. GEORGIA LOKEY

Community

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

The Grand Marshal of this year’s Park Cities Fourth of July parade remembers once questioning why veterans stood as he walked into a room. It was 1986, and he was just a lieutenant who had never seen combat.

The response: the veterans weren’t rising to their feet to acknowledge him. They were standing out of pride and respect for America’s history and ideals. As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, now retired U.S. Navy Adm. Patrick Walsh would like all Americans to do the same.

“When you think of 250 years, stand proudly for what we represent,” he told his audience at the Rotary Club of Park Cities Grand Marshal Luncheon on June 5.

Walsh has dedicated his career to service of both his community and country.

He flew combat missions in support of Operation Desert Storm and Provide Comfort in the Persian Gulf and commanded numerous squadrons during his Naval career.

The Jesuit Dallas alumnus spoke during the luncheon about his experience serving as Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and flying with the Blue Angels.

One of Walsh’s most memorable challenges as a member of the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron came in 1985 when he was new to the team. The group was preparing to fly from Washington, D.C., to El Centro, California, against a strong headwind. The pilots also had to refuel.

“We’re trying to run and go on a tanker,” Walsh recalled. “There’s one tanker, there’s six guys who are all running out of gas at the same time.”

He called the Blue Angels’ arrival in El Centro “a big relief.”

Walsh also recalled helping lead the U.S. response to the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and radiation disaster in Japan, which was called the largest civilian nuclear accident

FOURTH OF JULY PARADE GRAND MARSHAL REFLECTS ON NAVY CAREER Parade To

since Chernobyl by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation.

The United States immediately offered all possible help to the Japanese, assistance that Walsh said strengthened U.S.-Japan relations.

“The Japanese see this as a turning point in the U.S.-Japan alliance,” he explained. “If you look at the relationship today, Japan is far more forward-leaning in terms of U.S. interests, U.S. defense interests, U.S. economic interests.”

Walsh has continued his service as a

Northway Reps Make Concessions on Zoning Case

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Northway Christian Church has made concessions to neighbors concerned about its plans to host the Compass School of Texas, but residents say there’s still more work to do.

After Northway announced in April that it intended to close its preschool in May 2027 and house Compass, some residents expressed concern about the potential traffic impact and future uses of the church space.

The Compass School, which serves students in Pre-K to fourth grade, would be adjacent to Highland Park ISD’s Boone Elementary. Compass opened in 2023 and is slated to expand to serve students through eighth grade.

“The location includes more classrooms and dedicated administrative offices in addition to ample outdoor space while we build on our current campus,” explained Compass Head of School Shelly Sender. “We look forward to building a positive relationship with Northway and the beautiful surrounding neighborhood.”

So where do things stand with the plans now?

civilian. Since 2022, he has been president of Cristo Rey Dallas, a faith-based college preparatory school for students from low-to-moderate-income households in Pleasant Grove. It serves about 500 students in grades 9-12.

During the luncheon, Highland Park Mayor Will Beecherl and University Park Mayor Randy Biddle presented a proclamation honoring Walsh. The Rotary Club of Park Cities named him a Paul Harris Fellow, one of the highest honors that Rotary can give to non-Rotarians.

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

The Rotary Club of Park Cities is in its 23rd year of hosting the Fourth of July parade and associated festivities, which kick off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. The parade runs from Highland Park Town Hall on Drexel Drive to Centennial Park in University Park.

There will be a moment of silence in the gazebo at Centennial Park to honor the lives of the six Park Cities girls who died in last summer’s devastating Texas Hill Country floods. Lila Bonner, 9, Hadley Hanna, 8, Janie Hunt, 9, Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence, both 8, and Eloise Peck, 8, were about to start third grade at Highland Park ISD elementary schools.

The parade will also celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary through its theme — America 250 — and philanthropic efforts. The Rotary Club of Park Cities has used funds raised during the parade to provide 2.3 million meals to needy North Texans. The club hopes to raise sufficient funds to reach 3 million meals by 2028.

Representatives of Northway have committed to a time-limited specific-use permit, a student enrollment cap, and the placement of an off-duty officer on campus during school hours, Meagan Ranallo, a Boone Elementary parent, shared in a communication to community members.

“These are real concessions and reflect the substantive engagement many of you have been part of since the April 30 community meeting,” her June 5 message read.

Larry Hall, Dallas District 13 Planning Commissioner, confirmed that consultants for Northway have agreed to an enrollment cap in the specific use permit and project a maximum enrollment of 340 students. He said a time frame for the length of the permit remains under discussion.

“However, enrollment caps are difficult to enforce, so the city relies more on number of classrooms, which can be enforced. The applicant has agreed to a cap of 21 classrooms in the (specific use permit),” Hall added.

Ranallo said some neighbors still would like Boone and Compass’ dismissal times to be further staggered, a 5,000-squarefoot storm shelter proposal to be reviewed, and a formal cost-sharing agreement with Highland Park ISD for crossing guards to be created. They also want some more questions answered.

“The neighborhood is not asking the City of Dallas to deny education to children. We are asking that any permit approved include binding conditions calibrated to the unique configuration of two independently administered schools sharing the same residentially zoned city block,” the June 5 message continued.

The plans still have hurdles to clear. The permit request needs to be considered by the Dallas Planning and Zoning Commission, which will then make a recommendation to the Dallas City Council.

This year’s Rotary Club of Park Cities 4th of July Parade Grand Marshal Patrick Walsh and Greg Pape. Jeff Brady interviewed Walsh at the Grand Marshal luncheon on June 5. RACHEL SNYDER

Letter to the Editor

News delivered to neighbors and preschool families at Northway Christian prompted a wave of anxiety that rippled through the neighborhood.

While there is much to learn, it is clear that Northway’s leadership is navigating real institutional challenges, and they are making decisions — as they have every right to do — about the future of their property. Families and community partners — including the Northway preschool community that called that campus home for years — have found themselves on the outside of conversations that affected them deeply. I hope Northway considers the well-being of the neighborhood, but Northway’s decisions belong to Northway. What belongs to the rest of us is how we respond.

The question worth asking isn’t whether change is coming to that site. The question is: what kind of change would be good for our neighborhood?

If the answer turns out to be Compass School, I think we should welcome it.

The Compass School of Texas is an exceptional school led by thoughtful people who are devoted to serving Dallas. Families who know Compass know that its culture is built on care — for students, for neighbors, for the fabric of the places where it plants itself. That is exactly the kind of neighbor we should want. It deserves the chance to earn our trust.

As with any school, traffic patterns at carpool create a level of chaos that is both joyful and stressful. Boone Elementary would benefit from revisions, notably including reformatting Wentwood Drive to be one way during carpool hours like many school streets. Adding a second school population to the same city block requires careful examination.

The traffic concern is real, and it deserves a real answer. But here’s what I’d ask: let’s not treat that concern as a reason to say no. Let’s treat it as a reason to do the work.

I would like to see the City of Dallas partner with HPISD to take a fresh look at traffic flow in this corridor. A new, collaborative traffic study — led by both schools together — would go a long way toward building trust and finding solutions that protect every student who walks or rides through this neighborhood each morning.

The HPISD community is a wonderful place to raise children. Part of what makes it wonderful is that we have always, at our best, been willing to do the work, to invest in getting things right and level up.

Northway’s leadership has a decision to make. I hope they consider our concerns and then I hope our community will meet whatever they decide with generosity — and if Compass comes, with open arms and a readiness to build something good together.

Katy Jane Halpin

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Fourth-Grade Grads Roll Toward Intermediate School in Style

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Highland Park ISD’s fourth graders accelerated toward new campuses in send-offs filled with smiles, music, bubbles, and balloons.

Elementary school grads caravaned through the Park Cities this May in golf carts and cars festooned with blue and gold decorations, along with photos of the excited students riding inside.

For students at Hyer Elementary, the May 20 caravan began at their school and ended at the Holmes Aquatic Center, where graduates celebrated the end of their careers as elementary schoolers with a pool party.

“The whole neighborhood really comes out and gets involved,” fourth-grade activities chair Kristin Evans said as she decorated the cart her son would share with friends. “The kids count down until they get to do this.”

The afternoon of the caravan, Hyer Elementary parents added the final bling to their vehicles at Smith Park while students finished the day at school. Then, fourth graders walked across the street with their teachers before racing to the cars.

By the time the fourth-grade

grads were ready to go, it wasn’t just the cars that were prepared to set off in style.

The fourth graders donned hats, blue and gold necklaces, sunglasses, and leis. Many grads were ready to spread the fun to neighbors and younger students with bubble blowers, bags of candy, and water guns.

Fourth-grader Ethan Holter explained he was both sad to leave Hyer and ready for summer to begin.

“My favorite part about today is I get to go swim at the pool, and I get to throw candy at my friends,” he said.

The celebration at Hyer continued May 22 with a fourthgrade performance and family picnic complete with a DJ and Billy Buttons instant photos. Then, the entire school gathered to give the fourth graders a clap out, a celebration that spread to proud parents lining the sidewalk.

For Evans, excitement for the future was mixed with nostalgia and heartfelt goodbyes. This would be her last fourth-grade graduation. Her youngest child was moving on from Hyer.

“We’ve been at Hyer for nine years, and it’s definitely bittersweet,” she said. “It’s been just the best, best nine years at this sweet school.”

PCLDA Celebrates 50 Years of Supporting HPISD Schools

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

The Park Cities Learning Differences Association was founded in 1975 on the belief that all children can succeed in school. They just need the right support to make that happen.

Five decades later, the volunteer-led organization is still working toward its mission. And now it has an even stronger network of community supporters at its back.

The nonprofit’s 2026 Pool and Garden Party held on April 16 at the home of former Highland Park Mayor Margo Goodwin and her husband, Bill, raised just over $16,000 to fund curricula, technology, training for teachers and staff, and more for students with learning differences.

Pool and Garden Party co-chairs Geoff and Kelly Schorr, whose son, Emerson, is a dedicated member of the Spirited Scots, Highland Park High School’s inclusive cheer squad, became involved with PCLDA in 2010. They said they’re proud of how the organization has grown over the years.

“While much has changed, the mission has always remained the same: PCLDA believes every child can succeed in school, build meaningful social relationships, and become an active participant in the community when given the right opportunities and support,” the Schorrs said. “We have remained involved for so many years because of the lasting friendships we have formed and the meaningful impact we have seen PCLDA make within the HPISD special education program.”

Cynthia Hollingshead, director of special

programs at HPISD since 2024, served as honorary chair of PCLDA’s Pool and Garden Party this year.

Hollingshead said PCLDA has helped finance meaningful projects, such as the creation of life-skills simulations where students can practice selling coffee or going to the grocery store.

“PCLDA has been a big partner in helping those dreams come to life for our students that are in our life-skills classes,” she said. “I think that our district is only as strong as our parent body, and working together and having that collaboration just

helps us grow as a district and helps our students succeed even more.”

Outgoing PCLDA president Tiffin Hanna called the organization her primary source of guidance and community on educating a child with learning differences.

“PCLDA was my first introduction to families in HPISD who truly understood the challenges and needs of students with disabilities,” Hanna said. “Over the years, it has provided a welcoming space for parents to connect, share experiences, and access valuable resources and support.”

She credits the organization’s partner-

ABOUT PCLDA

The Park Cities Learning Differences Association is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that supports children with learning differences. It funds scholarships, recognizes outstanding educators with The Julie Young Teacher Appreciation Award, and awards grants that finance curricula for classrooms for students with learning differences, technology, training for teachers, and more. Applications for the Dale Lawrence Scholarship for postgraduate studies open in February and close in March.

Last year, PCLDA approved more than 25 funding requests totaling over $30,000 for HPISD schools, recognized 76 educators and staff at the annual Teacher Appreciation Awards and awarded three scholarships to graduating seniors at the Senior Honors Day event.

For more information, visit my.cheddarup.com/me/pclda

ship with the school district for its impact. HPISD’s dedicated educators have inspired her to not just remain committed to PCLDA, but to help in any way she can.

Incoming PCLDA president Laura McCallan has been involved in the organization for about seven years. Her son, Teddy, is on the autism spectrum and has greatly benefited from its work.

“PCLDA is a great way to get connected with parents of children with learning differences who all work together to provide support for students and staff in our special education and 504 programs,” McCallan said. “We are excited to see what the 2026-2027 school year will bring for our organization.”

There’s no stopping these elementary school grads ready to begin their next chapter as fifth graders. SARAH HODGES

The Park Cities Learning Differences Association recently hosted its Pool and Garden Party, where it celebrated five decades of supporting the education and well-being of children with learning differences in Highland Park ISD. TONY GRIMES

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Living

REFLECTIONS ON TWO DECADES OF ELIZABETH TOON CHARITIES

By Josh Hickman

Larry Toon is as surprised as anyone that Elizabeth Toon Charities is 20 years old.

The University Park resident oversaw the nonprofit’s creation in 2007. It was born out of a desire to honor the life and legacy of his daughter, Elizabeth, a Highland Park High School graduate who was tragically killed by a hitand-run driver in 2006.

“It’s very surreal,” Toon said. “Elizabeth was 22. It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years. I think about her every day. We include her in every family event we have. She’s still here with us.”

Founded on the principles of faith, hope, and love, Elizabeth

Toon Charities supports organizations that provide education, assistance, therapy, and comfort to children and their families who have been impacted by abuse, grief, poverty, disabilities, and terminal illnesses.

“It was a handful of her dear friends who came to me and said, we would like to start this charity and do a fundraiser this year,” Toon recalled of the organization’s founding. “(Elizabeth) loved children.”

Elizabeth Toon Charities held its first sporting clay event at Elm Fork Shooting Sports. The event was moved to the Dallas Gun Club for its second year. Because Elizabeth was a big fan of Texas country music, the nonprofit also decided to add a concert.

This May’s 20th annual Con-

cert and Clay Shoot featured country artist Wade Bowen, who performed at Gilley’s. Its title sponsors were JLL and Permian Resources.

Since its founding, Elizabeth Toon Charities has raised more than $9.5 million for Dallas area children’s charities. The nonprofit initially aimed to give substantial assistance to a smaller number of groups.

chairman of the nonprofit’s board.

In 2026, Elizabeth Toon Charities will aid 16 beneficiaries, including Equest, Hugs Café, Community Partners of Dallas, Dallas LIFE, and the Dallas Leadership Foundation.

“We include her in every family event we have. She’s still here with us.” Larry Toon

The nonprofit also annually supports its partner charities, Camp John Marc, the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center,

tions we’ve been able to get to,” Toon reflected. “We’ve met so many wonderful families over the years.”

Toon called the area an “amazing place.”

“This community is pretty darn incredible,” he noted thankfully. “And it’s had more than its share of loss. It has a way of just pouring itself onto you. And continues it. They don’t forget.”

“Then, over the next couple of years, we saw that there was so much need out there that we said, ‘why don’t we give less to a lot?’” explained Toon, who serves as

The Ashford Rise School of Dallas, and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

“I think every year is memorable because of the different organiza-

“I’m not getting any younger,” Toon said, smiling, when asked about the future of Elizabeth Toon Charities. “We just kind of rallied up every year and said, ‘let’s do it again.’ And we’ve had a ton of support. We couldn’t do it without literally hundreds of people who help every year. They contribute, they donate, they spend their time. God willing, we’ll do it again next year.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Blaine Balliet, Clair Balliet, David Balliet, Marge Anna Caston, Rena Padachy, Tammy Kelley, Mike Kelley, Kayse Kelley, Aza Tuminello, Patti Toon, Larry Toon, Patricia Grinald, and Richard Grinald. Elizabeth Toon Charities celebrated its 20th annual Concert and Clay Shoot this May. Casey Travis, Tucker White, Andy Pratt, Laura Toon Brooks, Chloe Brooks, Taylor Brooks, Alex Brandt, Tanner Cobbs, Clay Quinn, and Chip McDaniel. MELISSA MACATEE AND CHRISTOPHER JOSEPH

Local Nonprofit Offers Second Chances After Incarceration

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb claudia.carson-habeeb@peoplenewspapers.com

For people leaving jail or prison, finding a job and establishing stable housing can be among the first barriers to rebuilding daily life. A Dallas nonprofit is working to bridge that gap through employer partnerships, housing connections, and long-term case management.

Christina Melton Crain, founder and chief executive officer of Unlocking Doors, created the statewide nonprofit to help individuals with criminal records navigate reentry.

“We’ve got to get them feeling like they know where their next meal is coming from.”

Christina Melton Crain

“What we do in a nutshell is assess their needs in a holistic manner, create a plan of attack for them, and then navigate them to those services and monitor them while they are receiving those services,” Crain said.

The Preston Hollow resident learned of the challenges people

face after incarceration while serving as chair of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice under Gov. Rick Perry.

Crain was the first — and is still the only — woman to ever lead the nine-member board that oversees the incarceration, parole, and probation of Texas adult felons. The state renamed the former Gatesville Unit prison for women the Christina Melton Crain Unit in 2008 in recognition of her work.

Crain explained that, during

her board service, she became aware that “there wasn’t a structured way to transition people back into the community in a sustainable way.”

In 2010, Crain founded Unlocking Doors, which is committed to reducing crime through coordinated collaboration, partnership, public awareness, reporting of evidence-based data, and predictive trends, education, and training. The organization works with individuals who have served time in state and federal

prison as well as those with arrest records who face barriers to employment and housing.

Crain said Unlocking Doors serves men and women of all ages who have committed any level of crime, as well as juveniles and youthful offenders in some cases. Individuals typically enter the program through referrals from correctional systems, workforce organizations, partner agencies, and former clients.

Once enrolled, clients are assessed for immediate needs such

as housing, transportation, and basic stability before longer-term employment planning begins.

Crain said many participants arrive in crisis after release and need foundational support before they can focus on work.

“We’ve got to get them feeling like they know where their next meal is coming from and they have a place to lay their head,” she said.

The organization has served approximately 8,000 clients, Crain said, and maintains a network of roughly 200 to 300 partners and employers to match candidates to appropriate roles and to provide ongoing support after placement.

“If we refer someone to you, you hire them, they’re our client,” she said. “We’re going to continue to be there for the employer should something go awry.”

Crain said the model is designed to reduce turnover and improve stability for both employers and clients by maintaining communication after hiring rather than approaching it as a one-time placement.

“Once they’re a client, they’re always a client,” she said.

The organization continues to focus on connecting individuals to employment pathways and housing stability as a foundation for long-term success.

“With more than 70,000 ex-offenders being released back into Texas communities each year, this is an issue that affects us all,” Crain said.

How Chris Tonick Tried to Find Beauty in the Brutality of The Furious

By Todd Jorgenson People Newspapers

During his 15 years in Hollywood, Chris Tonick has seen plenty of action.

As an assistant editor on franchises including Guardians of the Galaxy and John Wick , and while working for directors such as Quentin Tarantino and J.J. Abrams, Tonick has played a significant role in shaping the story and ramping up the excitement for several box-office blockbusters.

Those high-profile experiences led the Dallas native to opportunities as a lead editor, most notably on The Furious , an ultraviolent martial-arts action saga in theaters this summer.

John Wick creator Chad Stahelski recommended Tonick as an addition to the all-Asian crew. Japanese director Kenji Tanigaki wanted someone with a Western perspective to help tailor the project for a wider global audience.

That gave Tonick added responsibility in cutting a film that was shot in Thailand in spring 2024, with about two-thirds of the dialogue in English despite the setting. The vigilante thriller tells a working-class story of a tradesman and a journalist who team up to infiltrate a crime syndicate to rescue abducted family members.

“There are things that have roots in

Western films. In John Wick , the inciting incident was a dog dying. Here, it’s a whole bunch of (missing) kids,” Tonick said following the film’s local premiere at the Dallas International Film Festival. “Prior to John Wick , I was told you can’t murder a dog on screen to start your action movie. But sometimes if you make the ride worth it, people will go with you.”

After earning his film degree from SMU, Tonick moved from Dallas to Los Angeles in 2011. His career kept growing

before he landed his first feature opportunity as a lead editor on the 2021 horror-comedy Black Friday.

Assembling the relentless fight sequences highlighting various martial-arts disciplines in The Furious was some of the most challenging work he’s ever done. The climactic confrontation alone included compiled footage from 18 days of filming.

“Kenji worked with these guys for weeks and weeks before they ever shot the film,” Tonick said. “Action is where he’s at home — telling stories through movement and his characters’ martial-arts abilities. It’s as much of a conversation as the dialogue.”

Tonick spent six months polishing the film in post-production. It premiered last fall at the Toronto International Film Festival to critical and audience acclaim.

“Every actor was also a martial artist, so it was an embarrassment of riches,” he said. “Clarity was our guiding principle. We didn’t want you to be confused about where you were in the action. With the action choreography, it was a matter of finding what made it look the best.” GET IN ON THE ACTION

The Christina Melton Crain Unit, located in Gatesville, Texas is the largest state prison for females, and is named in honor of the attorney’s service.CHRISTINA MELTON CRAIN

The Furious opened in theaters on June 12. It will be available for digital rental and purchase on a to-be-determined date.

SMU alum Chris Tonick was responsible for editing the adrenaline-fueled action scenes in The Furious. LIONSGATE

Framing Love Stories: Meet John Cain, Wedding Photographer

For a bride, the 30 minutes spent waiting to walk down the aisle towards her future might be the most intense of her life to date.

Once filled with nervous chatter and bridal party bustle, the bride’s room gradually empties out. The clock winds down. Quiet moments before the bride steps forth are reverent, intimate, and anchoring. The remaining people in that space are the bride, her father, and the wedding photographer.

John Cain Sargent has been that third person hundreds of times in his 15-year career.

“Sometimes that’s the most emotional part of the wedding,” Sargent told me from his studio’s sunny French-inspired conference room. “Mom doesn’t get to see any of this because she’s already sitting down. Her arrival among the guests symbolizes the start of the ceremony.” So, Sargent and his team discreetly capture those tender moments to make the memories last.

In the hyper-imaged world we live in, photos can be retouched and even completely engineered with an AI prompt. Wedding photography captures the images of the day, but the best ones also capture the feelings and sentiments, energy and nerves. Photographs serve as enduring evidence of youth, of hope and optimism, and of community.

Sargent, a Highland Park native who uses only his first and middle names for

his company brand, spoke of how growing up in the Park Cities shaped him and his business. He started his photography career to earn money for a planned post-graduate program. His childhood entrepreneurial endeavors included painting

street addresses on curbs and selling items on eBay. Photography was supposed to be the grown-up equivalent of a lemonade stand. It became Sargent’s main gig when one of his photos won him a spot

in a photography class. After that, he shot weddings for friends he’s known since he was a student at Armstrong Elementary. His first published works came in 2012, when Sargent reached out to Highland Park Village’s marketing director, who happened to be me at the time. Sargent inquired about getting coverage in the shopping center’s bespoke, now defunct, magazine. His story proposal was added to the editorial lineup and published. His business has grown ever since.

Sargent’s world has come full circle. As an Armstrong dad who served as the Dad’s Club president this year, his clients include his daughter’s third-grade teacher. Today, his own children socialize with the children of his former clients.

Capturing the community’s moments has had a lasting impact on Sargent.

“There was one particular wedding where I observed Dad with his kids,” Sargent recalled. “I saw how he interacted with them and how genuinely close the family was. It impacted me so much that I called him (after the wedding) and asked him to meet for breakfast to learn his parenting techniques.”

KERSTEN RETTIG

Father of the Bride, TD Briggs, embraces his daughter Hailey after seeing her in her gown for the first time on her wedding day. John Cain Sargent, captured by his team while in action at the Morren wedding in Vail, Colo. JOHN CAIN PHOTOGRAPHY

An Old-Fashioned 250th Birthday Celebration

I’m super excited about our nation’s 250th Birthday. As I make plans for an old-fashioned celebration with family and friends in our beloved mountain home, I’m reminded of July Fourths of years past.

One of my favorites was my Grandmom and Grandpop

Hewston’s annual backyard picnic. On that particular Fourth when I was in the fourth or fifth grade, the weather was warm and sunny. Watermelon chilled in ice water in the basement sink, the fridge was filled with my grandmother’s potato salad and other side dishes, and her freezer was well stocked with an assortment of popsicles in my favorite flavors — banana, blue raspberry, cherry, pink lemonade, and root beer. Burgers and hot dogs sizzled on the grill. As the grandkids played, the adults conversed while reclining in red metal armchairs and webbed lawn chairs. Funny that I remember those chairs all these years later.

Ingredients:

3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, about 9 medium

¾ cup green bell pepper, cut into ¼-inch dice

½ cup sweet onion, peeled and diced

3 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped

1 cup prepared mayonnaise

2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream

3 teaspoons dry mustard

½ teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

½ teaspoon paprika, for garnish

Fireworks displays of all sizes seem grand when you’re little. As an adult, I have been awed by a huge show over the river that flows between Detroit and Windsor, Canada, one over the Rock River in Rockford, Illinois, and an even more modest one over Lake Dillon in Summit County, Colorado. And yet, when red, white, and blue bunting is draped across our front veranda and 14 guests gather for dinner around a long festive table, I’m right where I want to be.

From coast to coast, grill masters will cook brats, burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or steaks this July Fourth. Ribs and briskets will smoke slowly to perfection and refrigerators will overflow with what I consider to be the real stars of every Fourth of July gathering — the side dishes! My mouth waters just thinking of them, which is why I love when our guests arrive with their favorites to share.

In honor of our country’s 250th Birthday, I’ve updated my recipe for Picnic Potato Salad to make it quicker to prepare

Directions:

Rinse, peel, and cut potatoes into quarters. Place them in a large stockpot with enough water to cover, bring to a low boil, cover, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook just until they are knife tender, about 10 minutes. Drain, cool, cut into ½ -inch cubes, and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add bell peppers, onion, and eggs, tossing gently to mix.

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, cream, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the potatoes and toss gently until they are well coated. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with paprika, cover, and chill until ready to serve.

Yield: 10 servings

and even tastier. Originally developed for my Celebrating Home cookbook, I recently tried a different approach when cooking the potatoes. I had previously cooked them whole in a large pot of water until the centers were knife tender, then peeled and sliced them into bite-size pieces. Now I peel and cut the potatoes in quarters, place them in enough water to cover, cook them until knife tender, and cut them into ½-inch cubes once they are cool. This method eliminates overcooked or undercooked potatoes and it’s far quicker because the potatoes cook in about 10 minutes. Now THAT’s something to celebrate! Happy Fourth of July!

Christy Rost is a cookbook author, host of Celebrating Home cooking videos, and longtime resident of the Park Cities and Preston Hollow. Her ‘At Home with Christy Rost’ cooking series for Eat This TV Network airs on AmazonFire, AppleTV+, Roku, Samsung TV, and YouTube. Please visit christyrost.com for details and recipes.

Picnic Potato Salad

CHRISTY ROST

CHRISTY ROST

Party Hopping

Editor’s note: So many great celebrations, so little space in print. Enjoy this roundup of recently submitted photographs and visit peoplenewspapers. com for more social scene coverage, including our Society Digital Magazines.

APRIL 25

Equest’s 45th Annual Blue Ribbon Gala, Gilley’s Dallas. Emcee Calvert Collins-Bratton and Committee Chairs Maggie Cooke Kipp, Bonner Allen, and Nancy Gopez

To place your ad in People Newspapers, please call us at 214-5235239, fax to 214-594-5779, or email to classified@peoplenewspapers. com. All ads will run in Park Cities People and Preston Hollow People and online. Pre-payment is required on all ads. Deadline for our next edition is Monday, July 6, 2026. People Newspapers reserves the right to edit or reject ads. We assume no liability for errors or omissions in advertisements and no responsibility beyond the cost of the ad. We are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion.

MAY 14

Halliburton Foundation Eric Nadel

17

SPECIAL ADVERTISING CONTENT

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

These pristine Dallas estates inspire awe

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents lead in the sale of Dallas estates, according to Multiple Listing Service data.

Working with Allie Beth Allman & Associates, you can trust that you will have access to the most exceptional residences quickly. Here are two mesmerizing estates the leading firm represents now. Contact their experts to see more.

The elegance, prestige, and panache of Highland Park is on full display at 4211 Lakeside Drive, where a refreshed, circa 1922 brick beauty awaits. Meticulously restored from 2020 to 2022, the 6,611-square-foot abode blends enchanting, storied character with fresh, fashionable touches for an utterly breathtaking experience. Everyday life here will feel like a fairytale, and that’s not even mentioning the endless opportunities for large or small-scale entertaining.

Craving something modern? Located in the coveted Strait Lane corridor of Preston Hollow, 4700 Dorset Road presents an ultraprivate, 13,151-square-foot prize on 1.2 acres. Perfect for living large and sharing special moments with loved ones, the sleek stunner is decked out with incredible amenities for fun. Picture enjoying summer days with friends across the resort-like backyard with a 22-foot pool, sport court for pickleball and basketball, and putting green. The contemporary masterpiece also encourages indulgent wellness with its rare, dual-level primary suite where you can recharge in the private outdoor spa.

BRIGGS FREEMAN

3513 Princeton Avenue

3513 Princeton Avenue in Highland Park, represented by Adriana AlvarezHiggins and Terri Brak Thomas of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $6,900,000

Welcome to an extraordinary opportunity in the heart of Highland Park, where timeless elegance meets modern perfection. This 7,300-square-foot custom residence has been flawlessly reimagined from top to bottom, with every surface thoughtfully curated to deliver an unparalleled living experience.

Boasting five bedrooms and six and a half baths, this like-new masterpiece offers two expansive primary suites, ideal for multigenerational living or the ultimate personal retreat. A recently installed elevator provides effortless access to two levels of the home, adding a layer of convenience and sophistication. Designed for those who love to entertain, the home flows seamlessly inside and out — from a dedicated media and game room to a stunning alfresco living space with a resortstyle pool and fully equipped outdoor kitchen. The oversized three-car garage features an EV-charging station and petgrooming station. No stone has been left unturned in this meticulous renovation.

All of this is just a stone’s throw from the legendary Highland Park Village, prestigious Dallas Country Club and acclaimed Armstrong Elementary School — placing you at the very center of one of Dallas’ most coveted communities.

DAVE PERRY-MILLER

REAL ESTATE

A Masterclass in Urban Sophistication

This stunning corner residence at Parkside offers an unrivaled lifestyle overlooking Klyde Warren Park and the iconic Dallas skyline. 2025 Woodall Rodgers Freeway #23 (2025woodallrodgers23. daveperrymiller.com) is represented by the Gromatzky Group for $2,131,000.

Following a comprehensive 2026 refresh, the 2-bedroom home glows with Level 5 paint, refinished hardwoods, and a fully renovated primary suite featuring a spa-like wet area. The chef’s kitchen is a culinary dream, boasting Poggenpohl cabinetry and premium Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, now accented by brand-new countertops. Beyond the 10-foot ceilings and walls of windows lies an oversized patio, a rare downtown luxury for seamless indooroutdoor entertaining. Modern essentials are already handled, from a Jeep e-charger at your three dedicated parking spots to high-efficiency HVAC systems. With a 93 Walk Score, the Arts District’s world-class museums and dining are your backyard.

To schedule a showing, contact Kimberlee at 214.802.5025 | kimg@daveperrymiller. com or Taylor at 214.802.5002 | taylorgromatzky@ daveperrymiller.com. Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate (dpmre. com) is a division of the Ebby Halliday Companies, specializing in Preston Hollow, Park Cities, North Dallas, Lakewood, East Dallas, Uptown, Kessler Park, plus lake homes and Farm & Ranch properties in the North Texas region.

TAMYTHA CAMERON

APRIL

Children’s Cancer Fund 36th Annual Fashion Show and Gala, Hilton Anatole. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Stella Luna, and Rowdy LORI WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Grant

Birthday Benefit, Longhorn Ballroom. Amy McCloskey, Kevin Hall, Eric Nadel, and Matt Gabay

MAY 9

The 34th Annual House of DIFFA: “Hotel Mystique,” Sheraton Dallas Hotel.  Alyssa Edwards modeling in the runway show THOMAS GARZA

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Divine Dallas estate hits the market

This home of Cochran Chapel Road, represented for sale by Allie Beth Allman & Associates, offers grand amenities beyond its gates.

If you’re interested in the ultra-luxury market in Dallas—that is, homes priced at $10 million or above—then you’ve certainly come across Allie Beth Allman & Associates. Trusted by discerning sellers and buyers again and again, the luxury firm often represents the most exquisite estates in and around the city.

Here are two beautiful, elite properties newly up for sale with the brokerage’s expert agents.

Beyond the gates of 4255 Cochran Chapel Road, a majestic French-inspired manor on two acres of gorgeous grounds emerges ready to wow you. As you drive up to the 11,000-square-foot home, you can indulge in visions of glamorous parties in which valets greet guests at a circular motor court centered by a romantic. Inside, the voluminous double-height foyer with a dramatic, curving staircase and showstopping chandelier further cement the estate’s grand, elegant atmosphere.

Designed by acclaimed architect Robbie Fusch and built in 2017, the fourlevel gem at 6715 Golf Drive is filled with finishes that exude modern sophistication, from Scandinavian white oak flooring to Porcelanosa tile and a state-of-the-art Tesla solar roof. The dazzling chef’s kitchen, 90+ built-in speakers, indoor-outdoor loggia, and large, sun-soaked living areas all prove that.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Dreamy homes available in University Park

Beth

been a leader in selling University Park homes year in and year out.

There are some neighborhoods in Dallas that never go out of style and never waver in demand with buyers. University Park, one of the city’s most sought-after and friendly enclaves, is one of them. Check out these sublime offerings up for sale with Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

Filled with artful touches, such as unique light fixtures and a masterfully remodeled kitchen, 3132 Stanford Ave. is a 5,104-square-foot haven that exudes polish and personality. Poised for effortless wellness, too, the home promises a heavenly primary suite, sophisticated pool and spa, and expansive outdoor living areas.

If pier-and-beam architecture, verdant landscaping, and timeless interior details sound enticing, don’t miss 7503 Caruth Blvd. Stately fireplaces, oversized windows and wood beams await as well as a large chef’s kitchen any foodie would swoon over. The backyard is an oasis in itself, boasting a covered patio and relaxing nature views.

A four-bedroom custom home at 3420 Hanover St. was built to impeccable standards as an entertainer’s ideal forever home. It offers multiple chic bars, a huge game room, and a flowing open floor plan, plus a putting green and a covered patio with a fireplace so you can host outside all year with ease.

EBBY HALLIDAY

The Pinnacle of Waterfront Living: 505 Ranch Estate

Experience the rare intersection of modern luxury and rugged ranch heritage at the exclusive 505 Ranch on Cedar Creek Lake. Situated just 45 minutes from Downtown Dallas, this extraordinary 3.46acre estate at 111 Sun Valley (111sunvalley. ebby.com) in Mabank is listed by Debbie French for $3,300,000. It offers 131 feet of pristine open water frontage, accessible via a private, wooded drive.

The residence is a masterclass in design, featuring an open-concept great room with soaring ceilings and panoramic lake views.

A chef’s kitchen, equipped with high-end appliances and a wine fridge, anchors the home, while two main-level primary suites offer serene retreats. Upstairs, custom bunk rooms and a sprawling game room provide the ultimate space for hosting guests.

The outdoor oasis is unmatched, boasting a heated and chilled pool, a stone firepit, and a private boathouse with a party deck. As a resident of this gated community, gain access to 400 acres of shared amenities, including clubhouse with pool, guest cottages, private stocked fishing ponds, ATV trails, skeet range, equestrian center and full-time ranch staff with concierge services available.

To schedule a showing, contact Debbie French in the Ebby Cedar Creek Lake office at 903-340-7747 | debbie@ debbiefrench.com.

BRIGGS FREEMAN

3517 Lexington Avenue

3517 Lexington Avenue in Highland Park, represented by Beverly Pitchford and Ralph Randall of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $14,995,000

Ideally situated at the southeast corner of Lexington and Byron avenues — in the very first installment of Old Highland Park — this prominent property has stood as a masterpiece for almost two decades. Constructed in 2008 by Tatum Brown Custom Homes, this French-inspired residence features a limestone façade, slate roof, porte cochere and artful landscaping by Robert Bellamy Design.

Upon entry, a grand foyer and corridor lead to the formal living room with double-height cove ceilings and a stone fireplace. Adjacent is the formal dining room, which features three sets of French doors that open onto the west garden. A fully equipped prep kitchen connects the formal dining room with the main kitchen and breakfast area, flanked by informal living rooms on either side. Also on the first floor are the library, wet bar, wine grotto and one of the home’s five bedrooms, which offers direct access to the heated pool and spa.

On the second floor, the expansive primary suite includes a sitting room with fireplace, dual walk-in closets and an oversized bath with two vanities. The media room, which has its own kitchenette and full bath, can double as guest quarters. Other features include a commercialgrade elevator, two laundry rooms and an attached three-car garage. Outside, a doubledecker porch is outfitted with retractable screens, a built-in kitchen and fireplace.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Exceptional living in Highland Park neighborhoods

Sought-after Highland Park neighborhoods never go out of style, according to the expert agents at Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

You know a town is exceptional if the primary complaint that residents voice is that the lots are so valuable it makes more sense to tear down the house and build one bigger.

Such is Highland Park, which has many beautiful homes, but it seems never enough to meet the demand of buyers who want to live there for the exceptional schools and sought-after location. Highland Park is one of Dallas’ safest, most walkable neighborhoods, with wide sidewalks and a locally managed police department.

To find your home in Highland Park, talk to the experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

The four-bedroom home at 4521 Southern Ave. has been updated with hardwood flooring, large doorways and intricate millwork. A 400-squarefoot, screened porch makes for great indooroutdoor living.

At 3852 Mockingbird Lane, the three-bedroom home features hardwood flooring and tall ceilings on the first level, with a kitchen that has stainlesssteel appliances. Two bedrooms downstairs have a bath. The upstairs bedroom could be a playroom.

In the heart of the sought-after French streets is a five-bedroom, Tudor-style home at 4305 Arcady Ave. The home is designed for a large family and sizable parties, with 7,239-square-feet of living space..

Westover House in Westover Hills, represented by Ralph Randall, Madeline Jobst and Ashley Mooring of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $22,000,000

I.M. Pei designed only three private homes in his lifetime. Westover House is the last and greatest — a significant achievement in American residential architecture. Westover House shares its DNA with Pei’s most celebrated works, including the Pyramid at the Louvre in Paris and the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Commanding a hilltop in Fort Worth’s Westover Hills, the sprawling home is thoughtfully sited on nearly 4 gently sloping acres. It offers a unique garden room — a soaring, light-filled space with a canted roof of glass and steel that rises above the tree line — a nearly 70-footlong art gallery, multiple living and dining rooms, a sumptuous main suite, six additional bedrooms, den, office, wellness room, heated pool and putting green.

The home’s materials are of the ages. Its thick walls are concrete mixed with an aggregate of rose-quartz granite from Colorado. The unique textural fluting on the walls, inside and out, was painstakingly bushhammered by hand. Interior flooring includes Portuguese marble and Burmese teak, with outside terraces of granite. Westover House isn’t just an architectural triumph — it is a Fort Worth legend, completed in 1969 for a horse breeder, art collector and philanthropist and never available before. At more than 19,000 square feet and a work of modernist art, this is an acquisition of genuine architectural and cultural consequence.

THE PERRY-MILLER STREIFF GROUP

Elevated Home in Estates of Tour 18

5800 Pine Valley currently being offered for $2,995,000

This sophisticated single-story home on a premier 1.6-acre corner lot within the 24-7 guard-gated Estates of Tour 18 was custombuilt just ten years ago and elevated by the current owners.

Significant upgrades include: wideplank White Oak flooring, saltwater pool conversion with new heater, a Generac generator, two tankless water heaters, spray foam insulation in the attic, whole-house surge protectors, EV chargers, a wholehouse water filtration and softener system.

At the heart of the residence, the main living area features soaring cathedral ceilings with architectural timber trusses and opens to a chef’s kitchen designed for entertaining with double islands, a showpiece walk-in pantry, and an adjacent climate-controlled wine storage room.

The owner’s wing features the primary suite with two spacious walk-in closets, a spa-style bath with heated floors, a dedicated second laundry, and a private study. Designed for multi-generational living, the guest bedroom suite is positioned on its own private wing, offering enhanced separation and privacy, and convenient access to one of two attached oversized two-car garages.

Beyond the gates, residents enjoy exclusive access to the world-class Tour 18 Golf Course and Country Club, offeringa lifestyle that blends championship golf with the serenity of a private sanctuary.

Contact Ryan Streiff (469.371.3008) or Jamie Kohlmann (214.669.6520) for more information or to set up a private showing.

Visit DPMFineHomes.com to learn more.

The Mayfair 3401 Lee Parkway #404

2 Bedroom 2.1 Bathroom 3,382 SF Ani Nosnik

Located within the prestigious Mayfair on Turtle Creek, this fully remodeled residence offers 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and 1 powder bath across an expansive 3,382 square feet, blending timeless luxury with modern sophistication. The custom chef’s kitchen serves as the centerpiece of the home, showcasing dramatic Belvedere Leather granite waterfall countertops from Stone Collection, complemented by premium Viking appliances and a Sub-Zero refrigerator for exceptional performance and design. Rich oak flooring runs seamlessly throughout the residence, adding warmth and continuity. The primary suite features custom California Closets, with additional custom organization thoughtfully incorporated into the pantry and utility spaces for elevated everyday living. A fully equipped media room conveys with the purchase, creating a turnkey entertainment experience. Perfectly positioned to capture breathtaking views of Dallas skyline, lush treetops, and scenic Turtle Creek, this home offers an exceptional balance of tranquility and urban accessibility. Residents enjoy world-class amenities including 24-hour concierge and valet service, a hotel-inspired pool and fitness center, as well as access to the SkyClub and resident Clubroom.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

A contemporary estate on Turtle Creek

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents specialize in marketing and selling ultraluxury homes throughout the Dallas region.

Trusted by discerning sellers and buyers again and again, Allie Beth Allman & Associates often represents the most exquisite estates in and around the city.

Here’s one to consider. Call to schedule a private tour.

Looking for contemporary design? Explore a custom, 9,517-square-foot beauty perched along the serene waters of Turtle Creek in University Park. Designed by acclaimed architect Robbie Fusch and built in 2017, the four-level gem is filled with finishes that exude modern sophistication, from Scandinavian white oak flooring to Porcelanosa tile and a state-of-the-art Tesla solar roof.

As you tour the fashionable and bright spaces, you might fantasize about growing your wine collection in the striking climatecontrolled wine closet imported from Canada with capacity for over 700 bottles. Or you might want to fill the six-car basement garage with vintage rides.

Of course, at its heart, 6715 Golf Drive is meant for entertaining. The dazzling chef’s kitchen, 90+ built-in speakers, indoor-outdoor loggia, and large, sun-soaked living areas all prove that.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents continue to lead in the sale of Park Cities homes, according to Multiple Listing Service statistics. Connect with an expert agent at: https://www.alliebeth.com/roster/Agents

BRIGGS FREEMAN

of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $17,500,000

Perched high above the vibrant Dallas Arts District, the Gallery Penthouse at HALL Arts Residences is more than a home: It is the backdrop for a life well-lived. With its harmonious balance between strong architecture and quiet, inviting spaces, the full-floor penthouse on level 26 has been meticulously designed by nationally renowned Abeyta Tibbs Architecture. Within its 7,688 square feet, the residence offers four bedrooms, four full baths, two half baths, thoughtful luxuries and effortless elegance. For those who value both privacy and grandeur, the Gallery Penthouse offers spaces for both. The library, just off the foyer, is a haven for quiet contemplation, in a setting that speaks to your refined taste. The formal living room, meanwhile, stands as the heart of the residence, offering expansive panoramic views of the Dallas skyline, a grand fireplace and a unique bronze floor pinstripe. The kitchen is its own masterpiece, with the finest in German design. Gaggenau appliances and sleek Bulthaup cabinetry ensure that every culinary endeavor is executed to the highest standards. In the primary bedroom suite, complete with a private terrace, wake up each morning to sprawling views of the city stretching out beneath you like a work of art.

Allie

Allman & Associates has

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN URBAN

BRIGGS FREEMAN

Westover House by I.M. Pei

Gallery Penthouse at HALL Arts Residences

1747 Leonard Street #2601 in the Dallas Arts District, represented by Kyle Richards and Cindi Caudle

COLORING BOOK CONTEST COLORING BOOK CONTEST

Entries will be displayed in a digital photo gallery on peoplenewspapers.com and winning entries will be published in the August edition of Park Cities People and Preston Hollow People. All winners will be on display at Toys Unique, behind Inwood Theatre, July 16-31st. Stop by on the 31st and pickup your laminated entry!

RULES

1. One entry per child.

2. Pick your favorite coloring page, when complete scan or take a photo of your colored page.

3. Submit your page and complete the entry form:

4. All entries must be received by July 14, 2026

Prizes will be awarded in each of the following age groups (2–4, 5–7, 8–10, 11–13) $100 Toys Unique gift card, 4 tickets to this year’s State Fair of Texas, and 2 dozen Bundtinis ® from Nothing Bundt Cakes* for a sweet celebration with friends and family! *Must redeem at 4264 Oak Lawn Ave location.

SPECIAL THANKS -

Live in color. Live better. With us by your side, there’s no stopping you.

COLOR BY NUMBER

1: Red2: Blue3: Light Blue

Yellow5: White

DOWN

1. The United States of...

2. Your favorite local newspaper!

4. Marching bands, floats, and people walk in this during the 4th of July!

4th OF JULY CROSSWORD

ACROSS

3. America’s independence day

5. What shapes make up our flag?

6. Hot dogs, burgers, ribs, etc

7. End of the day light show BOOM!

9. A sign at a festival or parade

8. A cool desert after your meal!

10. We say the pledge of allegiance facing this 11. A smaller hand-held firework

Barbeque

Fireworks

Banner

Flag

. Sparkler

LEFT TO RIGHT: BECKY NELSON, CURT ELLIOTT, PAIGE ELLIOTT, AMY ANDERSON, LISA WATHEN