Park Cities People May 2026

SARAH HODGES

GIVING BACK IS CONTAGIOUS

Our pets are our constant companions. Their antics make us laugh, their wet noses and snuggles give us comfort, and their waggy tails remind us that we’re loved unconditionally.

Dogs and cats have always been there for me. Recently, I decided to use a skill I’ve developed in my career as a journalist, namely photography, to help animals find loving new homes.

There are a variety of ways to assist at Dallas Animal Services shelters, even for those who haven’t completed the requisite volunteer hours to work with the animals hands-on.

I thought my experience taking photos for newspapers and websites fit well with phone “furtography,” which involves spending a cou-

ple of hours taking new photos of animals that come to the shelter. The goal is to present them in the best light for adoption.

Sometimes it requires multiple attempts to set up a good shot. Pets, like people, can get nervous in front of a camera. It takes time to capture a photo where they’ve settled down and are looking at the lens. But it’s always fun to meet the animals and see their personalities shine through.

The mental boost from working with other volunteers to make our community better has certainly helped me as much as I may have helped any of Dallas Animal Services’ furry residents.

Many of the people I’ve interviewed as a member of the staff of Park Cities People and Preston Hollow People have helped inspire me to use the skills at my disposal to contribute to organizations whose missions I support.

From Temple Emanu-El cantor Vicky Glikin, who used her language skills in 2022

to welcome refugees from the Russia-Ukraine war, to the countless young professionals we’ve featured in our 20 Under 40 program, the people I’ve met in this community have motivated me to ask how I can make it a better place.

This year’s group of 20 Under 40 honorees is certainly no exception. I had the privilege of writing about them for this issue’s special section, and of finding out more about their extraordinary work.

This year, for example, I learned about a staff member at the George W. Bush In stitute who helps support policies that are making a difference to worldwide health, and a school librarian who’s built a community around mahjong and is using it support causes we all care about.

I hope you’ll find the work of these young professionals as inspirational as I have and, like me, perhaps ask yourself about the skills you have, and how you can use them to make a difference for others.

RACHEL SNYDER

Mall Savvy: How Shoppers Can Stay One Step Ahead

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

A recent security incident at NorthPark Center is drawing renewed attention to how visitors can reduce their risk in large retail environments.

On March 25, Dallas police evacuated the shopping center after a reported threat. Authorities later said the building was searched and cleared, and operations resumed the same day.

Earlier incidents at the high-end retail location have reflected a similar pattern. In 2023, NorthPark Center’s Nordstrom was closed following threats made to multiple stores in the area. Mall officials said the closure was a precaution, and police later confirmed the threat had not been substantiated.

In 2021, officers responded to a report of gunfire at the shopping center. Authorities later determined the noise was caused by a skateboard, data from the Dallas Police Department’s (DPD) open records site indicated.

Incidents involving unconfirmed threats or false alarms are not uncommon at major shopping centers, where high foot traffic and open access points can complicate security responses, said retail security manager David Martinez, who is not affiliated with NorthPark Center.

And while the city of Dallas does not maintain a mall-related crime dataset, local police incident reports can provide insight into crime and safety in the area. DPD’s open data portal, which can be accessed at dallaspolice.net, provides an interactive crime map and daily incident reports via search capabilities by address or geographic area.

DPD data shows theft as the most frequently reported category at and around the mall, accounting for more than half of incidents. Other reported offenses include disturbances, minor assaults, criminal mischief, and property damage.

NorthPark Center’s code of conduct prohibits weapons, offensive language, yelling, fighting, threats, intimidation, and disruptive behavior. But its multilevel layout, parking garages, isolated corridors, and multiple exits can make it easier for criminals to enter and leave unnoticed, Martinez said. Visitors are advised to take note of exits, avoid isolated areas, and park in well-lit locations.

“Awareness is key, and a few precautions can go a long way in keeping yourself and your valuables safe,” he said, adding that food courts and other common areas make personal property vulnerable to theft. He recommends avoiding hanging bags on chair backs and keeping purses, phones, and shopping bags within arm’s reach.

“Being aware of your surroundings, limiting distractions such as phone use while walking, keeping valuables secure, traveling in groups when possible, and reporting suspicious activity to security or law enforcement is key,” said Martinez.

Crime Reports March 9 - April 12

March 9

Reported at 9:03 a.m.: A fraudster transferred $48,000 from an account belonging to a resident in the 3400 block of Dartmouth Avenue to an unknown account.

March 10

Reported at 3:25 p.m.: A scammer accessed a resident’s computer in the  4400 block of Westway Avenue and tried to get the resident to withdraw $29,500 from a bank account.

March 12

Reported at 7:25 p.m.: A thief took a bag from inside a Porsche Cayenne parked in the 4500 block of Fairway Avenue containing a Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol, 50 rounds of ammunition, and ear protection.

March 14

Reported at 5:50 p.m.: A careless driver hit a GMC Yukon parked in front of the Carolina Herrera store in  Highland Park Village and left the scene.

March 15

Reported at 6:26 p.m.: An opportunistic burglar entered an unlocked vehicle parked on Marquette Street.

March 16

Reported at 5:40 p.m.: A masked mischief maker stole three purses worth $12,000-15,000 from the Balmain store in Highland Park Village and fled in a gray, four-door vehicle.

March 18

Reported at 4:57 p.m.: How easy was it for a crook to drive off in an Audi Q5 that was parked in the  4500 block of Arcady Avenue? The keys may have been left inside. The vehicle was later found in Dallas.

March 19

Reported at 5:37 a.m.: A crook rifled through a GMC Yukon in the  4600 block of Edmondson Avenue and stole a pair of sunglasses, a knife, and a Patagonia jacket.

March 20

Reported at 2:53 p.m.: A porch pirate pilfered two packages containing sweatshirts from a home in the  4600 block of Mockingbird Lane.

March 21

Reported at 10:03 a.m.: An opportunistic stealer stole a Dell laptop from a Mercedes SUV while it was parked at the Whole Foods store in the 4100 block of Lomo Alto Drive.

March 22

Reported at 1:37 p.m. March 22: A crook rolled off with a bicycle from an alley in University Park.

March 23

Reported at 8:26 a.m. March 23: An opportunistic burglar stole a backpack containing a tablet, a laptop, and more from a vehicle that may have been left unlocked. The backpack with laptop and tablet inside were found in the 4900 block of Abbott Avenue.

March 24

Reported at 10:15 a.m.: A burglar broke into a student’s vehicle on  Dyer Street overnight.

March 25

Reported at 3 p.m.: A sneaky shoplifter stole two tester bottles of Ex Nihilo perfume from The Conservatory in Highland Park Village, hid them in his jacket, and left the store.

March 26

Reported at 8:13 a.m.: An opportunistic shoe thief got into a car that had been left unlocked in  4500 block of Fairway Avenue, rummaged through it, and took a pair of Nike Dunk shoes, a pair of Adidas tennis shoes, and a North Face coat.

March 27

Reported at 4:26 p.m.: A ne’er do well took a vehicle from The Plaza at Preston Center.

March 28

Reported at 10:59 a.m.: A pilferer took a package containing a dirt bike helmet, protective gear, jersey, and goggles from outside a home in the 4700 block of Bowser Avenue.

March 29

Reported at 1:31 p.m.: A thief took a pistol from the console of a vehicle in the 3400 block of Drexel Avenue.

March 30

Reported at 6:27 p.m.: A bandit took a bicycle from outside Highland Park High School on Emerson Avenue.

March 31

Reported at 10:34 a.m. March 31: A pilferer took two packages from Tory Burch in Highland Park Village, one containing a $795 skirt and another containing a $395 silk sweater.

April 2

Reported at 12:21 p.m.: A fraudster made an unauthorized transaction using the account of a customer of a bank on Preston Road.

April 3

Reported at 8:12 a.m.: A crook took things from a home on Rosedale Avenue.

April 6

Reported at 1:46 a.m.: A thief rode off in a vehicle from a residence in the  3600 block of Dartmouth Avenue that was later recovered in Coppell.

April 7

Reported at 8:09 a.m.: A burglar broke into a home under construction on  Bryn Mawr Drive.

April 8

Reported at 1:05 p.m.: A shoplifter swiped items from a store on Preston Road

April 9

Reported at 8:13 a.m.: A bicycle was burglarized from the porch of a home in the 3300 block of Centenary Drive

Reported at 4:35 p.m.

April 6: A discerning money thief stole about $500 in U.S. cash, $2,500 worth of British pounds, a gold South African Krugerrand coin worth about $5,000, two $20 gold U.S. coins worth $10,000, a $10 gold U.S. coin worth $2,500, and another U.S. coin worth $5,000 from a home in the 3600 block of Maplewood Avenue, but left about $85,000 worth of men’s watches untouched.

For more crimes, visit peoplenewspapers.com/ category/crime/

Violent Crimes

April 10

Reported at 12:27 p.m.: A careless driver crashed into a Lexus at the intersection of Douglas Avenue and Beverly Drive and fled the scene of the crash.

April 11

Reported at 10:44 a.m.: A swindler used airline miles belonging to a resident on Wentwood Drive.

April 12

Reported at 7:16 p.m.: A ne’er do well broke the back sliding window of a pickup truck in  The Plaza at Preston Center, but didn’t take anything from inside the truck.

Luxury is more than beautiful homes. It’s precision, privacy, and presentation at the highest level. From bespoke marketing to white-glove service, we represent exceptional properties with the attention and discretion they demand. Every detail matters. We don’t just sell luxury — we define it.

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INSPIRED VOICES

Our residents are one of the best reasons to join us at The Tradition. Here is one perspective on why moving to our community was an easy decision:

“I came to a point one day where I thought, I don’t want to take care of this house anymore. I don’t want the maintenance, and I don’t want to worry anytime a storm comes over—is it going to affect my garage? My yard? My roof? And it was very easy to give that up, and I came here to The Tradition, and if a storm rolls in—I don’t worry anymore.”

I hope that you consider a new way of living and join us at The Tradition. Please make an appointment to tour our beautiful community, meet residents firsthand, and learn more. I look forward to welcoming you home!

Founder & CEO The Tradition

As 2026 FIFA World Cup Nears, Short-Term Rental Demand Rises

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Demand for short-term rental properties, including Airbnb and Vrbo, is surging as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. But city ordinances are evolving as well, and homeowners may need to check their local rules before making plans.

Deloitte recently estimated that about 305,000 tourists who need accommodations will visit Dallas and other nearby areas during the World Cup from June 11 to July 19, including about 42,000 who are expected to use Airbnb.

By early April, the occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Dallas, or the percentage of available listings booked on a given day, was already about 33% during the group stage of the World Cup. The occupancy rate was just 18% at the same time in 2025, according to April 6 data from AirDNA.

The Bachman/Northwest Highway submarket saw a year-over-year change in occupancy of 182%.

The prices of short-term rentals have jumped, too. According to the AirDNA April 6 data, the average daily rate for available Dallas rentals was $459 during the World Cup’s group stage — 132% higher than in 2025, when it stood at $197.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE WORLD CUP IN DALLAS

The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19. AT&T Stadium will host the most matches of any venue with nine. Washburne Stadium at SMU and the Cotton Bowl will serve as training sites.

The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas will serve as the International Broadcast Center for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through August 24.

Both Highland Park and University Park are weighing potential changes to their rules governing short-term rentals.

Highland Park public information officer Lt. Lance Koppa said the town doesn’t currently have an ordinance governing short-term rentals but is rewriting its zoning code and considering the issue.

Koppa didn’t elaborate on any potential specific changes.

University Park city officials have been discussing short-term rentals since 2019.

Changes that city staff say could be on the table include banning short-term rentals citywide, prohibiting them in certain areas, or regulating them citywide. University Park could also delay taking action on the issue.

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The booked rate, or the average nightly price people have paid for stays already booked, likewise rose 24% to $213 in Dallas during the group stage from $172 during the same period last year, according to the April 6 data.

As the World Cup nears, municipalities such as Dallas, Highland Park, and University Park are debating policies governing short-term rentals.

Dallas’ City Council has banned shortterm rentals in areas with single-family zoning, but the city can’t enforce its rule.

The Dallas Short-Term Rental Alliance sued after the ordinance’s passage in 2023, arguing that the restriction violated Texas’ constitution. The case has made its way to the Supreme Court of Texas.

Some University Park residents, including Trey Howse, say they’re concerned about traffic, noise, and other disruptions associated with short-term rentals.

Howse said he has experienced early-morning knocks on his door and unpermitted cars on his street since a neighboring home became a short-term rental.

But other residents haven’t had issues with short-term visitors.

Mark Hefflefinger said he’s rented out the cottage next door to his house on Airbnb without issues since 2019.

“Most of my people are SMU families, families that used to live in Park Cities that want to visit,” Hefflefinger said. “If it’s managed and well-run, I think (a rental is) a benefit.”

When Life Changes, You Need the Right Advocate

ELIZABETH HUNTER

School Voucher Program Has Limited Appeal for Elite Private Schools

By Claudia Carson-Habeeb and Rachel Snyder

While many area private schools are participating in the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) voucher program, some of the most elite have decided to sit this year out.

The TEFA program, also known as the private school voucher program, was established in 2025 to provide state-funded, flexible education accounts for private school tuition, tutoring, and educational materials.

In its first year, TEFA drew 274,000 applications for roughly 100,000 available spots, according to the Texas.gov education freedom website.

As of March 16, Dallas ISD students accounted for 8,617 of that total — the second-most of any school district in the state behind Houston ISD. Highland Park ISD residents had submitted 237 student applications as of the same date, according to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Many schools, including Jesuit Dallas, have chosen to participate in TEFA. Accepting funds will help Jesuit remain a preferential option for underserved students and will not impact its high standards, explained Jesuit’s director of communications Jeff Kramer.

Other elite Dallas schools, including The Hockaday School, St. Mark’s School of Texas, Greenhill School, and The Episcopal School of Dallas, have chosen to watch TEFA’s rollout from the sidelines.

Hockaday is delaying a decision on

NOWLEASING INHPISD

whether to accept program funding while its leadership team and board of trustees carefully review TEFA’s educational, financial, and operational implications, the top-rated school explained in a written statement.

“We are deeply committed to our robust, need-based financial aid program, and feel it best serves our mission. Hockaday strives to meet 100% of demonstrated need,” the statement said.

St. Mark’s does not plan to participate in TEFA because of how highly it values its independence and autonomy, director of communications Brooke Driesse said in a written statement.

“We sustain a strong commitment to removing financial barriers for qualified students and annually invest more than $4 million in tuition assistance for current fam-

The Parke at University Park

ilies,” Driesse continued. “We are also aggressively pursuing a strategic goal of significantly expanding student financial aid while slowing the growth rate of tuition.”

Elite schools including Hockaday and St. Mark’s are likely concerned about additional regulations that could be attached to accepting state funds, explained Dr. Watt Lesley Black, Jr., a Clinical Professor in Education Policy and Law at SMU.

“They value their mission and they value their independence so much that I don’t see them reversing and taking part in the program in large scale any time soon,” he said.

Based on the number of applicants, Texas families have shown a strong interest in TEFA. The program’s impact on Dallas private schools this fall will depend on which students are approved, how schools adjust

LOCAL SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN TEFA PROGRAM

Cadence Academy, Christ the King Catholic School, Creative Steps Academy, Grace Academy of Dallas, Holy Trinity Catholic School, Jesuit College Preparatory School, Oak Hill Academy, Our Redeemer Lutheran School, Preston Hollow Presbyterian School, Providence Christian School of Texas, The Rise School of Dallas, St. Monica Catholic School, St. Rita Catholic School, The Saint Timothy School, Ursuline Academy, and Vanguard Preparatory School. More information on TEFA can be found at educationfreedom.texas.gov

their admissions, and whether funding flows as intended.

But the loss of even a fraction of its TEFA applicants would be a “double whammy” for Dallas ISD. Despite its relatively low-income student population, Dallas ISD is considered a property wealthy school district, and the state already recaptures taxpayer funds, Black said.

“If Dallas were to just lose, say, 1,000 students, that would equate to about $6 million in lost funding just because of the attendance loss over the course of the year,” he explained.

Dallas ISD is optimistic that the variety of educational options it provides district families will persuade parents to keep their children in its schools.

“We remain confident in the strength of our academic programs and the robust extracurricular offerings,” a district spokesperson said, “and believe families will continue to choose Dallas ISD.”

DART OUT OF TOWN

The Hockaday School, St. Mark’s School of Texas, The Episcopal School of Dallas, and Greenhill School are taking a wait-and-see approach to TEFA.TOMMY HABEEB

3

THIS BAKER MAY BE LITTLE, BUT DEMAND FOR HIS BREAD ISN’T

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Neighbors had questions when 7-year-old Frank Robertson came to their doors selling his homemade sourdough.

Frank’s handcrafted loaves were vastly superior to anything on grocery store shelves. Their crust was crispy. Their interior was chewy without being tough. And their flavor had just enough, but not an overwhelming amount, of sourdough’s signature tang.

“How do you get more?” Andrew Boyette remembered asking after he sampled a slice. “Where’s the rest of it?” He added that Frank’s sourdough tastes particularly delicious toasted with butter.

When word of the young baker’s skill spread to social media in mid-March, Frank and his 5-yearold brother, Walt, set up a sourdough and cookie stand to satisfy the growing demand for Frank’s high-quality product.

The brothers sold individually packaged loaves for $10 a piece. Each was sealed with the words “‘Frank you’” or “‘Franks’ for buying Frank’s sourdough!” Chocolate chip cookies made by Walt cost a quarter. Customers, including neighbors, dog walkers, and hungry golden retrievers, could also take home their own starter for $5.

“How do you get more? Where’s the rest of it?”

Andrew Boyette

Frank spent a week baking 22 loaves for his sale. Each loaf, he explained, takes two days to make. The St. Mark’s School of Texas first grader could recite the ingredients in his recipe down to the gram, and

was able to describe the stretchand-fold technique that gives his bread its crucial air bubbles.

“Without air bubbles, people will be like ‘I don’t believe that this is actually sourdough,’” Frank explained. “It’s really important that you make air bubbles.”

So why does Frank’s bread taste amazing?

“Personally, I don’t really know,” he remarked. “I like it more when it’s a bit warm.” Frank added later that he only uses glass bowls

Real Estate Market Snapshots

Editor’s note: Find here the latest available (as of press time) real estate market statistics for Dallas, Highland Park, and University Park from the North Texas Real Estate Information Systems Inc.

The Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University prepares the monthly Multiple Listing Service (MLS) reports but leaves out municipalities when they don’t hit a 10-sale threshold for single-family homes. We would prefer more comprehensive and timely data, but believe these market snapshots still provide a helpful look at where the industry is heading.

to create his sourdough. Plastic doesn’t work well.

Frank learned to bake from his mom, Kelsey. A good friend taught her how to make sourdough and gave her some starter, the natural leavening agent that gives the bread its flavor, about a year and a half ago. She hasn’t needed to buy bread from the grocery store since.

“I love baking because it’s a way to use my hands. It almost feels artistic,” Kelsey said. “I see that

he seems to get the same kind of joy from stretching and folding the dough and manipulating it to make really good bread.”

Kelsey has also enjoyed observing Frank’s entrepreneurial spirit. The young baker doesn’t plan to spend his earnings, at least not immediately. He’s putting his sourdough funds into a retirement account at the bank.

“I wanted to save some money for me when I get older,” he explained. Frank’s foresight came as

a pleasant surprise to his parents.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Kelsey said. “I was like, ‘This is great. I’m glad you get the power of compounding.’”

The limitations of Frank’s home kitchen mean that his sourdough isn’t ready for mass production. But fans can monitor the Park Cities neighborhood Facebook group to stay apprised of any future sales.

“I really like baking sourdough,” Frank said. “It’s fun. And it also gives you a bit of a brain break.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Walt and Frank Robertson at their neighborhood sourdough and cookie stand. The brothers’ menu and product. SARAH HODGES

The Reimagining of Preston Center Office tower and mixed-use development replace longtime neighborhood tenants

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

Several longtime Preston Center restaurants and businesses have closed or relocated to make way for a major redevelopment.

Some residents see the changes as overdue. “This corner has needed a glow-up for some time,” said Nicole Scholle. “You just have to head east a couple of blocks to see why everyone flocks over to that area right now.”

Other residents expressed concern about the revamp. “I worry that much of our community’s signature charm is being eroded little by little as locally owned businesses are replaced by national chains,” said DD Rogers.

As the redevelopment approaches, Wang’s Chinese Cafe, Yolk, and AT Bistro – Au Troisième have left the center. Major tenants CVS and Target are expected to remain.

The neighborhood favorites will be replaced by a $200 million mixed-use redevelopment being spearheaded by RAMROCK Real Estate, Lincoln Property Company, and HKS Architects, as well as multiple other collaborators.

“The market response has been extraordinary. We have more proposals out than available space, which speaks to the pent-up de-

mand for truly exceptional office environments in this location,” said Hudson Dozier, vice president at Lincoln Property Company. Construction began in March 2026, with the first completed phase of the project expected in late 2028.

Comings and Goings

“Our goal is to create meaningful experiences for tenants and residents that match the value of this real estate,” said Mark Buskuhl of HKS Architects. “Preston Center is a Dallas landmark, and we’re proud to play a role in reimagining this lo-

cal asset by creating a dynamic public realm with restaurants and shops for the neighborhood that will serve as the new level of quality and catalyst for future development.”

According to City of Dallas rezoning records, 65 years ago, Preston

known for its locally inspired food, carefully curated cocktails, wine, and one of the world’s largest selections of craft beer has opened in the former Medical City ER space.

Kids Foot Locker

Galleria Dallas

The children’s athletic retailer has brought the fun factor to level 2 next to H&M Home. It offers a large selection of brand name athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories for kids.

Material Good

Highland Park Village

The luxury boutique spe cializing in jewelry and timepieces has created a space above LoveShackFancy for clients who value relaxed elegance and thoughtful service.

Luna Coffee Co.

5601 Lovers Lane, Suite 130

The coffee shop, for merly WOW! Donuts and Drips, is now open next to Belen de la Cruz Empanadas & Pastries.

Trattoria Bugatti

Center tenants primarily included restaurants and service-oriented businesses catering to the surrounding neighborhoods.

City planning records show that redevelopment of the shopping center has been debated for decades. Concerns about traffic and encroachment have divided property owners and residents, though a citybacked advisory task force formed in 2015 ultimately unanimously approved a rezoning plan.

The new hospitality-focused project is designed to blend highend workplace amenities with residential comfort and public gathering spaces. It will add about 300,000 square feet of Class AA office space, 280,000 square feet of residential space, 24,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and dining, a 17-story residential tower with 147 units, and a 35,000-square-foot rooftop park intended to create a more walkable, community-oriented environment, according to RAMROCK Real Estate president Robert Dozier.

“After years of deliberate preparation, we are thrilled to finally break ground on 8300 Douglas,” Dozier said. “This project is a transformational moment for the neighborhood — it’s the definitive step in creating the kind of vibrant, walkable environment the Preston Center community deserves.”

tion just steps from the original home of Bugatti Ristorante.

CLOSING

Nordstrom

Galleria Dallas

The department store is closing its Galleria Dallas location on May 16 after around three decades in the shopping center.

Perch Bistro and Bar

7709 Inwood Road

The restaurant serving wood-fired pizza, pasta, and other Italian fare, has closed.

Super Duper Cookie Co.

6401 Hillcrest Ave., Suite 102

The shop serving ice cream and cookies that make you boogie while providing meaningful wage-earning jobs for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities will remain open until May 1.

Weir’s Furniture

4540 Travis St.

3850 W Northwest Highway, Suite 1190

The neighborhood restaurant is bringing a modern interpretation of Italian dining to its new Midway Hollow loca

The family-owned furniture chain, which started with a single storefront on Knox Street in 1948, is closing its locations once all furniture is sold.

—Compiled by Rachel Snyder

Material Good COURTESY

Avra SAMANTHA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY CRAFT COURTESY

Weir’s COURTESY

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Renderings of the 8300 Douglas Avenue project include plans for retail space and sidewalks along Luther Lane. Businesses post “Thanks for the memories” signs. Local restaurants along Westchester Drive have closed to make room for the new development. RAMROCK REAL ESTATE/HKS, CLAUDIA CARSON-HABEEB

Spring Market Is In Full Bloom

The Dallas spring market is here, and navigating it successfully requires the seasoned expertise only The Rhodes Group provides. We combine deep neighborhood knowledge with a no-drama approach to get results. Trust the team that’s been winning for Dallas families for generations.

Cruising Through the Park Cities and Preston Hollow in a Waymo Is my teen with a learner’s permit

Climbing into the passenger’s seat of a driverless Waymo reminded me of riding with my 16-year-old. I was relinquishing control to a new driver, but one who I believed had the skills to get me where I wanted to go.

After some bumps in the road, my teen with a learner’s permit declared that she’s a better driver than Waymo.

In my opinion, the best-driver title remains up for grabs. My teen and Waymo are both pretty good at navigating neighborhood streets, but each could stand to work out a few kinks.

My three children and I took two Waymo trips shortly after I received my welcome email on April 1.

First, we traveled from our home in University Park to Half Price Books on Northwest Highway. Then, we went from Half Price Books to enjoy a treat at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in Inwood Village.

Here are my takeaways from both trips: Waymo is more expensive than Uber and Lyft but riding in one of the driverless vehicles has other pay offs.

The trip to Half Price Books in Waymo cost $19.20, as opposed to $11.62 in Lyft and $13.96 in Uber. Traveling from the bookstore to the ice cream shop was

a better motorist than a driverless vehicle?

$22.63 in Waymo. I would have paid $11.69 in Lyft, and $16.94 in Uber.

Both Lyft and Uber also advertised faster arrival times than Waymo.

However, I didn’t need to tip my Waymo. There was also no need to make small talk with my immaculate self-driving vehicle. The temperature was comfortable, the ride was smooth, and Waymo played relaxing music the entire trip.

Waymo obeyed all traffic signals and

pulled over for an emergency vehicle on Northwest Highway. We were all impressed when Waymo managed to navigate a fallen branch on Villanova Street.

But Waymo struggled with the Park Cities etiquette of how best to squeeze through narrow neighborhood streets.

On the way down Hanover Street, Waymo passed several spots where it could have pulled over before stopping in front of an oncoming Audi and turning on

its windshield wipers.

Was Waymo perhaps signaling to the Audi? If it was, the other driver got the message. She reversed to let our Waymo by. Waymo seemed intimidated by changing lanes on Northwest Highway. Although it turned on its signal for the first time before crossing Hillcrest Avenue, Waymo didn’t manage to get into the lefthand lane until after we had passed Half Price Books.

We were not optimistic when Waymo attempted to make a U-turn across from REI. Although there were several large gaps in oncoming traffic, Waymo delayed turning until cars stopped at a light and left space for it.

We noticed that an SUV was turning right out of REI, but Waymo apparently did not. The driverless vehicle diverted mid-turn to take us on a scenic tour of the REI parking lot.

My children suggested that we get out and walk, but I retained confidence in Waymo. The vehicle then managed to turn right onto Northwest Highway and drove a block to the bookstore.

My three kids said they were “Waymoed out” after our second trip, but I have high hopes for driverless technology.

Waymo needs some more drivers ed on how to maneuver through narrow roads and become more aggressive. None of the other drivers want to hit it, either.

Design a Beautiful Dining Room You’ll Use Year-Round

Whether your dining room is used often or reserved for special occasions, it’s an important area in your home and deserves to be beautifully designed. The following pointers can be applied to dining rooms of many different shapes and sizes.

MARGARET CHAMBERS

For a dining room that feels too large or small, you can use paint colors to make the space appear more open or more enclosed. A deep color gives the room a cozy feel, while cream and pale colors can help open up a small dining room. If you’re putting your dining table in a corner area, try combining a banquette with dining chairs to save space. Use the same upholstery fabric on both the banquette and chairs to tie the mixed seating together.

While rectangular tables are suited to hosting a large party in a rectangular room, round tables encourage conversation and are great for square dining rooms. Forty-two inches is the ideal width for a rectangular table.

To avoid overcrowding, leave three feet of room between the dining chairs and surrounding furniture or walls. An area rug needs to extend at least 28 inches from the edge of the table on

all sides so guests can scoot their chairs out without running over the edge of the rug. If your dining room doesn’t have enough space for a rug, it’s better to not have one at all.

The textures and colors of your dining room furniture should complement the rest of your home. Steel and glass tables are a good fit for contemporary homes. Polished wood has a formal look, while rougher textures like pine or distressed finishes convey rustic charm.

Not sure what to decorate your dining room walls with? Aside from artwork, you might consider using photography, wallpaper, mirrors, a plate collection, or decorated shelves. A chandelier should be hung 30 to 36 inches above the table to prevent bulb glare from being visible in the eyes of seated guests. Don’t hang downlights directly over chairs, or else you’ll create dark shadows on guests’ faces.

You can always consult an interior designer like myself if you’re still having trouble getting the most out of your furniture and space. After all, you’ll want your dining room to be one you use often, whether you host formal dinners or use it as a family hangout space. A thoughtfully designed dining room naturally invites people to come together and enjoy each other’s company, no matter the occasion. Margaret

Chambers, a regis -

tered interior designer (RID) and American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) member, leads Chambers

Interiors and Associates. Her colleague Caitlin Crowley helped edit this column. For more ideas and articles,

Margaret

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Light colors, like the pale aquas and creams we used in this Preston Hollow dining room, make a space feel more open. In order to seat eight in this relatively small room, we custom designed a round table that was a good fit for the space. The table setting in this Dallas kitchen exudes rustic

SARAH HODGES

Buckle your seatbelt! We’re off to Half Price Books in a driverless Waymo. SARAH HODGES

Opportunity Meets Luxury — Make Your Move

Susan Baldwin Presents Her Spring Collection

Miracle Mile Construction Causes Headaches for Local Businesses

Business owners, employees say construction has slowed sales

By Rachel Snyder and Sarah Hodges

Almost a year of construction has created a rough patch for businesses along the stretch of Lovers Lane known as the Miracle Mile. But as work nears completion, many owners and employees are hopeful that smoother roads lie ahead.

The Miracle Mile’s makeover represents the first time Lovers Lane between Douglas Avenue and the Dallas North Tollway has been repaved and the utilities under it replaced in decades. University Park has been working a block at a time on the project, which has entered its final phase of construction in the south side parking lot of the 4300 block of Lovers Lane.

Business is down at least 20% for K&L Bagels at 4333 Lovers Lane, co-owner Lisa Kouzoukas said. But the shop known for its New York-style baked goods has continued to have local support.

“The neighborhood people still frequent the area. They’re constantly walking through,” Kouzoukas commented. “That part’s really nice.”

Katie Allen-Ward, who works at Drip Coffee at 4343 Lovers Lane, agreed that business has slowed, but said people have still found their way in for their morning cup of joe.

“Afternoons are super, super quiet,” Allen-Ward said. “Parking’s a little bit harder to get to, but I think we’re really lucky because people need their coffee, so they’ll find a way to get here.”

The lack of parking has upped demand in the lot next to Petco, where spaces are reserved for customers at certain Lovers Lane businesses.

“You can tell I’m very much needed,” parking patrol and security officer Jerry Beaty said,

laughing, as he busily managed traffic in the lot one Tuesday morning. Beaty believes that the Lovers Lane improvements were long overdue.

“I’m trying to work with everybody. I’m trying to satisfy everybody. But you can’t. I only have 20 parking spaces,” he added. “But we’re going to make it OK.”

Andy Barton, manager at All Vac, a family-owned and operated vacuum store at 4451 Lovers Lane that’s been in operation since 1937, called the construction work’s impact “just annoying,” not a business killer.

Jose Romo, the manager of Chip’s Old Fashioned Hamburger at 4530 W. Lovers Lane, said construction caused diffi -

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culties, but business has largely bounced back.

However, the roadwork has had a more serious impact on some other Miracle Mile businesses.

Bita Azarian, owner of women’s clothing boutique Bittano at 4350 Lovers Lane, said, “It’s definitely killing all the small businesses, and neither the city nor the landlords care.”

Regulars still come in for cuts at Lovers Lane Barbershop, but stylist Peter Fitch called walk-in traffic “nonexistent.” “I sit, and I read,” he said. “The day goes by a whole lot faster when you’re busier.”

Fitch said that he’s looking forward to the street’s upgrades and is optimistic that customers will return. For now, the 80-year-old shop

is making cuts and manicures as convenient as possible, and some customers are being dropped off at its back entrance.

The Miracle Mile construction, whose $11.6 million price tag was shared by University Park, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, and Dallas County, is slated for completion in mid-May. After construction wraps up, landscape installation will begin.

More construction could still be on the table. The City of Dallas is studying a portion of Lovers Lane from Lemmon Avenue (at Love Field) eastward to Lomo Alto Drive with the goal of identifying and prioritizing projects that would enhance mobility and improve safety, ac -

WHERE IS PARKING AVAILABLE DURING CONSTRUCTION?

of

cording to the city’s website.

At Holy Ravioli, Scott Albrecht said he expects business to take a while to pick up, and that work on the west side of the tollway could impact the traffic flow on Lovers Lane.

“I’ll survive. I’ve been on this block for 30 years,” he said. “The customers are great. People who live right here walk over here. It helps out.”

Construction in the south side parking lot of the 4300 block of Lovers Lane is underway. SARAH HODGES

West side

Lomo Alto Drive between Lovers Lane and Druid Lane 4141 Lovers Lane parking lot Parking spaces on Lovers Lane at Scotland Yard

EXPLORATION MEETS CONSERVATION AT TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS SUMMER CAMPS

By Lisa Petty Special Contributor

The name says it all. Located in the heart of the city, Texas Discovery Gardens spans seven-and-a-half acres of organic gardens, as well as a tropical butterfly house and reptile “resort,” all designed to encourage exploration. Complete with its own train and the historic World’s Fair Centennial House, this Fair Park treasure is open to the public all year long — but in the summer it truly shines.

“Making science exciting, ac-

cessible, and meaningful has always been at the heart of my work,” said Sollee Selby, director of education at Texas Discovery Gardens. “Our camps are developed in-house by our education team and are built around the unique spaces, animals, and natural resources here on campus. Many of them also include missions, puzzles, and even secret notes delivered through the mail, in order to draw kids into the adventure.”

Read on for this insider’s insights into the unique, age-specific programs that will be offered at Texas Discovery Gardens for summer 2026.

For Little Campers

• Habitat Safari Summer Camp (ages 5-6), June 8–12

• Animal Adventures Summer Camp (ages 5-6), July 6–10

“For our youngest campers, we build experiences that are playful and age-appropriate,” Selby said. “They may go on scavenger hunts, meet animal ambassadors, and play games inspired by habitats and behaviors.”

In June, the Habitat Safari camp will focus on building early learners’ science skills through exploring woodland, wetland, desert, and garden habitats. In July, the Animal Adventures camp will encourage creativ-

ity and curiosity by observing specific animal behaviors in the field.

For Young Explorers

• Bug Squad Adventures Summer Camp (ages 7-9), June 15–19

• Nature Navigators Summer Camp (ages 10-12), July 13–17

When it comes to developing programs for older campers, Selby said, “We encourage thinking about real conservation issues, such as how human choices affect animals, plants, and ecosystems.”

She noted that teamwork skills are also key in this age group. These camps cultivate them through

READY FOR AN ADVENTURE?

All Texas Discovery Gardens summer camps take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include a catered lunch. Camps are led by the organization’s staff and instructors who have experience working with children in outdoor learning environments. Prices start at $175 for members (Texas Discovery Gardens is a 501c(3) non-profit organization). Visit the “Summer Camp Sessions” page at txdg.org for more information.

group STEAM challenges and collaborative problem-solving.

First up, Bug Squad Adventures puts insects in the spotlight. Campers will, as the name suggests, participate in live insect encounters and outdoor “bug hunts.” A second camp in this category, Habitat Guardians, hones in on the specifics of environmental conservation via hands-on activities.

For Teen Leaders

• Discovery Crew Summer Program (ages 13-17), June 1–5

“Our teen program is designed for older kids who are ready to take a more active role in environmental stewardship,” Selby said. “It goes beyond a traditional camp experience by emphasizing leadership and communication skills so that teens feel more confident in their ability to contribute ideas, work with others, and take initiative.”

Each day in this program will begin with a morning session during which teens will role-play as representatives of a fictional city in a “choose your own adventure” conservation storyline. In the afternoon, teens may stay for an optional volunteer session to earn documented service hours.

Arboretum Sends Young Explorers on Summer Learning Adventures

By Josh Hickman People Newspapers

Adventure and learning go hand in hand at Dallas Arboretum Summer Camps, where investigations and garden explorations spark campers’ interest in STEM and nature.

Families can choose from a variety of unique, week-long camps offered throughout the summer that help build critical thinking and problem-solving skills while developing campers’ sense of environmental stewardship and adventure.

“Our summer camps are different, because we have access to greenspace that a lot of other camps may not have,” noted Jessica Darst, manager of STEM and enrichment programs. “They get to explore the Children’s Garden, which is an 8-acre outdoor learning area with hands-on spaces, so they can interact with the science that they’re learning inside the camp.”

The 58 acres outside the Children’s Garden gives young explorers space to roam, experience nature, and test constructed science projects. Camps include about 60 kids a week, who are split into three groups based on age.

“We have two really cool art camps that are tied to our Hunt Slonem exhibition Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies,” explained Selena Wilson,

associate vice president of learning. “So, they’ll have different art that they’ll do in the garden and sculpting and painting. And we’ll have different guest artists come in and do classes with the kids.”

“There’s also biomimicry tied in as well,” Darst added. “They’ll learn about the organisms that are around us in our environment — how we’ve taken art and science from these creatures and learned from them and recreated it.”

Camp themes include:

Science in Nature: Campers become outdoor scientists and nature detectives, exploring physics, chemistry, engineering, and ecology through fun experiments.

Creature Feature: From butterflies to beetles, and millipedes to mantises, campers will dive into the incredible world of arthropods.

Footy in the Garden: Campers will explore the science behind soccer, tackle fun problem-solving challenges in the garden and classroom, and learn about the regions where players

come from around the world.

Artful Adaptations: Inspired by the vibrant Hunt Slonem exhibition found throughout the garden, young artists will discover how animals use their structures, functions, and mimicry to survive in nature.

Farm to Fork: Campers will follow the journey from soil to skillet, discovering how fruits and veggies go from the earth to their dishes.

Epic Expeditions Camp: Campers will journey through the Dallas Arboretum, exploring exciting themes like safaris, space, the Arctic, and dinosaurs.

Robotany Camp: Campers will learn coding fundamentals, explore electronics, and investigate plant biology while exploring the garden.

Garden’s Greatest Hits Camp: Campers will enjoy the top hits of the Arboretum’s summer camp, along with beloved garden favorites from years past.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Selena Wilson, associate vice president of learning, and Jessica Darst, manager of STEM & enrichment programs. COURTESY DALLAS ARBORETUM

Texas Discovery Gardens campers cultivate their teamwork skills while exploring woodland, wetland, desert, and garden habitats. MARISOL (SOLLEE) SELBY

CHOOSE DALLAS' LUXURY LEADER

Allie Beth Allman & Associates, the premier luxury real estate firm in Dallas, has achieved its best first quarter ever, topping sales of over $1 billion, including a record-setting performance in March alone.

For the three months ending March 31, the company posted sales of $1,051,223,564, including $500 million in sales in March alone, also a record for the firm.

The company outperformed its competitors across the Metroplex and dominated the competitive affluent neighborhoods of the Park Cities, where it represented nearly 42% of the market with sales totaling $145 million.

“This is a testament not only to the vibrancy of the Dallas market, but to our agents who offer the best-inclass expertise,” said Keith Conlon, the company’s president and CEO. “We know the market. We know the neighborhoods. We know our clients and we know how to operate in the luxury space. The local advantage is a gamechanger.”

Among the company’s highlights of the first quarter:

• 641 transactions

• 232 agents closed at least one house

• 46 percent of homes sold topped $1 million

We

area, local buyers are driving the deals throughout Dallas. All except one of the clients involved in transactions of $9 million were from the Dallas area, Conlon said.

“We have really strong local buyers with deep roots and understanding of the market and they saw some really good houses come up for sale, so they jumped on them quickly,” he said. “People see cranes. They see construction. There is always something new coming to Dallas. Local buyers see the future, and they are feeding off of that.”

Conlon reiterated that the agents are the company’s driving force because they understand the importance of strategic sales, market knowledge, innovative technology and resultsoriented marketing and are committed to the company’s culture of local roots and relationships.

know the market. We know the neighborhoods. We know our clients and we know how to operate in the luxury space. The local advantage is a gamechanger.”

• 5 percent of homes sold for $5 million or above

• 14 agents each sold homes for $9 million or more

• 30 agents surpassed total sales of $9 million or more

In early January, Conlon made an equity investment in the company to enhance and prioritize the company’s original vision and culture of local roots and relationships. Because of a record-setting 2025 in which the company topped $4 billion for the first time, he believed 2026 would be another good year.

“We had so many deals in the pipeline as the year ended and every agent I talked to said, ‘If all of this stuff that I have hits, I’m going to have a massive year,’” Conlon said. Although out-of-town buyers continue to come to the

Alex Perry, consistently the No. 1 agent at the firm and, according to RealTrends, No. 1 in Texas, joined the company 20 years ago because he believed it represented the best in Dallas. He still does.

“Other companies have come and gone, but Allie Beth Allman has not just stood the test of time, it has stayed the market leader,” he said. “When you work with an Allie Beth agent and that sign goes up, you know the high quality of the home and of the agent selling it, someone who has the heart of an entrepreneur who values relationships and puts the client first to get the deal done.”

Conlon said that upon seeing the official numbers earlier this month, he sent an email to agents congratulating and thanking them, along with a photograph of the company’s agents from 2012 that had a note that read: “One Year. One Office. $1 billion.”

“That was a big deal doing $1 billion in one year back then, but doing $1 billion in just one quarter now is just absolutely amazing,” Conlon said. “Going forward and hopefully reproducing that every quarter might be a dream to some, but I think it’s possible and I believe the very best is still ahead.”

Keith Conlon, President & CEO

A Day in the Life of a Camper From wake up to the final goodnight, each day is filled with adventure

For many parents considering sleepaway camp, one of the biggest questions is simple: What does my child actually do all day at camp?

Of course, every camp differs, but this might give you a general idea of what a day could look like for your child.

While every camp has its own traditions and schedule, most days follow a natural rhythm that balances activity, friendship, independence, and fun. From the moment campers wake up to the final goodnight in the cabin, each day is filled with experiences that help children grow, explore, and build lasting memories.

The day usually begins in the cabin as campers wake up with their bunkmates and counselors. There’s a sense of excitement as everyone gets ready — making beds, getting dressed, and heading together to breakfast. Meals are an important part of camp life, giving campers time to connect, share stories, and start the day together.

After breakfast, the activity periods begin — the heart of the camp day. Campers might try swimming, tennis, arts and crafts,

theater, ropes courses, nature, or team sports. Some camps allow choice, while others rotate so everyone can try something new.

One of the most special parts of camp is watching children discover interests they never knew they had.

A camper who has never picked up a paddle might fall in love with kayaking, while another may gain confidence performing in a play or trying a new sport.

Midday brings lunch and a chance to recharge. Meals are social and full of energy, with

campers sharing stories from the morning and looking forward to the afternoon. After lunch, many camps include a rest period or “quiet time,” giving campers a chance to read, write letters home, or simply relax.

The afternoon continues with more activities and opportunities to build skills and friendships. Counselors are always nearby — encouraging, guiding, and helping campers feel supported as they grow more confident and independent.

Before dinner, there is often free

time or organized games. Some campers might play basketball, work on an art project, or simply spend time talking and laughing with friends. These unstructured moments are often where friendships deepen the most and children begin to feel a true sense of belonging.

Evenings at camp are especially memorable. After dinner, the entire camp often comes together for special programs like campfires, talent shows, themed games, or group competitions. These shared experiences create

a strong sense of community and often become favorite memories.

As the day winds down, campers return to their cabins for showers and quiet time. Counselors may lead conversations, tell stories, or reflect on the day together. It’s during these moments that bonds grow stronger and campers begin to feel truly at home.

Lights out eventually arrives, and tired campers settle into their bunks after a full day. By morning, they are ready to wake up and do it all over again.

For parents, understanding this daily rhythm can be reassuring. Camp days are structured yet fun, active yet balanced. Most importantly, they are filled with opportunities for children to build independence, confidence, and lasting friendships — often in ways that surprise even them. And while every camper’s experience is unique, one thing remains the same: at camp, every day brings a new adventure.

Reach Helene Abrams with Tips on Trips and Camps, a free advisory service that helps parents find enriching summer overnight experiences for their children, ages 7-18, at 214-693-9259 or Helene@TipsonTripsandCamps.com.

HELENE ABRAMS

Last chance to get into our Camps & Summer Programs of ParkCitiesPeople and PrestonHollowPeople

Deadline to reserve: May 4, 2025

Calling all girls & boys entering grades 3-8: Join the fun this summer at Ursuline’s Adventure and Athletic Camps! Camps run weekly from June 1 - July 31. WWW.URSULINEDALLAS.ORG/CAMPS

A Powerful Partnership Brings Brain Science to Life for Dallas Youth

YES YOU CAN! Initiative

By Bridget Reis Special Contributor

A new summer program is turning cutting-edge neuroscience into something kids can see, feel, and believe.

The YES YOU CAN! initiative was launched in June 2025 with a bold but simple focus: brain plasticity — the concept that the brain changes every minute of every day, and that young people have agency in that change.

Last summer, the pilot program — an initiative of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, Grant Halliburton Foundation, Metrocare Services, Momentous Institute, and the Center for BrainHealth — served 399 youths across three models: Teen Camp, Summer Learning Academy, and Kamp K’aana, a two-week residential camp.

Its impact extended beyond campers. A total of 350 counselors received in-person training, and 340 parents participated in virtual education sessions.

The program translated science-backed tools into tangible, age-appropriate experiences that made abstract neuroscience practical and memorable.

In one activity, known as “settling your glitter,” youth watched glitter swirl inside a jar to represent racing thoughts and heightened emotions. Through breathing and movement techniques, they observed the sparkles settle, a visual metaphor for calming the mind.

teaches how brains work, and how youth can manage choices

Another exercise used Jenga-style collaboration games to demonstrate communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation under pressure. The goal was to show how the brain responds in challenging moments and how intentional strategies can shift those responses.

That spirit of collaboration became a defining feature of the initiative. Rather than focusing solely on campers, leaders intentionally layered support across youth, counselors, and parents, reinforc-

ing what they described as a wholechild approach.

“You can’t just approach one lever,” explained Kelly Richmond from the Momentous Institute. “All ships must rise together,” The results of the initiative

were measurable and surpassed expectations.

Ninety-two percent of counselors reported that the mental wellness content helped improve camp behavior, reinforcing the idea that when young people understand how their brains work, they are better equipped to manage emotions and choices.

“I knew with the organizations helping us get the pilot started, we were going to get awesome results,” said Giselle Patterson, Associate Vice President of Community Health for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “What was completely unexpected for me was how well we worked together. There was no ego in the room.”

Planning is now underway to expand the initiative in the summer of 2026. YES YOU CAN! could potentially reach additional YMCA day camp locations, serving thousands of children annually.

But organizers’ long-term vision stretches beyond a single season. Because the YMCA serves youth year-round, leaders hope YES YOU CAN! will continue to grow, embedding neuroscience-based mental wellness strategies into everyday programming.

“We want people to know that their brain changes every minute of every day and that they have self-agency,” said Laura Bloom Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer for the Center for BrainHealth. “When you believe you have more control, you will have more control.”

YOU CAN! BY THE NUMBERS

The YES YOU CAN! initiative empowered parents, counselors, and campers in the summer of 2025. COURTESY ALLYN MEDIA

Sports

HP UNDERCLASSMEN ABUNDANT ON ALL-DISTRICT TEAM

By Justin Thomas People Newspapers

The 2026 campaign was another successful one for Highland Park’s girls soccer team.

The Lady Scots returned to the playoffs yet again out of a talented District 12-5A and advanced to the area round of the postseason before bowing out against eventual state-finalist Prosper Walnut Grove.

Recently, members of HP’s squad were rewarded for their strong seasons with spots on the 12-5A all-district team, including four first-team selections and a superlative winner.

“I was really proud of the girls this year,” said Chad Hobbs, HP head coach. “We challenged ourselves early and throughout the season. We started the season playing Round Rock to a tie, and it wound up making the state final in 6A. And we had tough matches throughout district and were still able to make it to the playoffs.

“Facing Walnut Grove in the second round was tough, but we were right there with them. It was just an unfortunate draw, and the girls showed their talent and competitiveness with those results against some of the best teams in the state.”

HP’s superlative honor was achieved by sophomore Lau -

ren Dyer, who was named Co-Comeback Player of the Year after returning from an ACL injury during her freshman season.

“To have to sit out a whole season and come back and play the way she did was impressive,” Hobbs said. “Especially when you consider it was her fresh -

man year she missed. She played great at forward for us all season and was a big reason for our offensive success.”

Another key cog on the attack for HP was underclassman Londy Hutchinson, who earned first-team accolades.

HP’s leading scorer, Hutchinson was squarely in the mix for New-

Rhine claims 12-5A MVP honors

Ten

comer of the Year as a freshman.

“She really came in and acclimated herself,” Hobbs said. “She scored a bunch of goals and helped create many others. Londy is just so calm on the ball. I was expecting her to have a big impact for us, but I don’t think I was expecting her to be that level of a scorer so soon.”

members of HP’s soccer team earn all-district honors

By Justin Thomas People Newspapers

Highland Park’s boys soccer team didn’t make the deep postseason run it did in 2025 when the team navigated the Texas gauntlet unscathed.

But it was another successful season for the Scots nonetheless, and one that may have been a bit unexpected given the squad’s new look. Numerous key pieces of last year’s team have graduated and moved on. HP managed a second-place finish out of a competitive District 125A before suffering a loss in the bi-district round of the playoffs to a Frisco Liberty team that advanced to the regional final.

Recently, members of HP’s squad were honored for their success on the pitch. Ten Scots have been named to the 12-5A all-district team.

“I was really pleased with the way this team grew throughout the season,” said Scott Turner, HP head coach. “We were younger than we have been in the past and worked through a very competitive non-district schedule. The goal is always to get to the playoffs and try to earn some results. We would have liked to go further, but when you look at the big picture, it was a very good season for

us. And we were very pleased with getting second in our district.”

Leading the way for HP was senior Jake Rhine, who shared MVP honors with Aaron Olguin of Carrollton R.L. Turner following a regular season of 17 goals and 11 assists.

Also claiming a superlative honor was senior Trey Shamburger, who was named Midfielder of the Year.

“Jake and Trey were captains for us and were big contributors and reasons for our offensive success,” Turner said. “They helped us score a lot in transition and were very strong in our attacking sequences.”

First-team selections from HP were procured by senior and University of New Brunswick signee Carter Reese (defender), senior Davis Hooks (defender), senior Greyson Bailey (midfielder), and junior Aleksander Holmsen (striker), while second-team players included senior and Lyon College signee Preston Telfer (goalie), junior Owen Drysdale (midfielder), junior Toby Tsai (midfielder), and freshman Marco Primavera (midfielder).

Rounding out HP’s all-district members with honorable mentions were seniors Jaron Pierce (striker), Luca Stanley (midfielder), Harrison Piering (midfielder) and Nick Regel-Beys (defender), and freshman Garner Godfrey (defender).

Additional first team members from HP were sophomores Wynn Ellis and Maiya Kay and junior Pearl Deskin.

After filling a void at rightback as a freshman, Ellis transitioned to her more natural position of center-back and thrived.

Kay, meanwhile, provided a high work rate and was the link between the back and front at midfield for the Lady Scots.

Deskin, a junior, was also a key midfielder and captain. She was critical to HP’s success due to her ability to play multiple positions.

“She brought increased energy and work rate and was an enforcer for us,” Hobbs said. “She moved around where we needed and really complimented Maiya in the midfield.”

Pearl’s sister, Maggie, earned all-district honors, making second team at midfield as a sophomore.

Senior goalie Taylor Cook and senior midfielder Whitney Gross were also named to the second team.

Rounding out the HP players on the squad with honorable mentions were senior forward Adeline Jacobs, sophomore forward Anna Heinrich, and freshman defender Saylor Stock.

“A lot of the players we had selected will be coming back for us,” Hobbs said. “We’re going to have another competitive group and it’s going to be an exciting year.”

Highland Park’s Wynn Ellis, right, was a first-team all-district selection for the Lady Scots in 2026. CHRIS MCGATHEY

Highland Park senior soccer player Jake Rhine (10) shared District 12-5A MVP honors. CHRIS MCGATHEY

Grit and Grind HP’s Knutson embodies the Lady Scots’ team mentality

By Justin Thomas People Newspapers

The 2026 season for Highland Park softball captain Cecilia Knutson hasn’t gone exactly as she envisioned.

An ace in the circle and fixture in the middle of the lineup, the senior has bat tled plenty of adversity this year.

Her bat hasn’t always produced the way it typically does.

And injuries have cropped up along the way.

But despite the bumps, Knutson has stayed resilient while helping High land Park remain in the hunt for its first playoff berth since her freshman year.

Knutson explained that she faced a hitting slump during district play. “And after I kind of got through that, an injury happened,” she said. “So, that’s been real ly tough, but I’ve learned how to be there for my team when they need me. That’s the part that has been the most fun is knowing I can still serve the team when I’m not at my best or even out there.”

Knutson’s approach this year is characteristic of Highland Park’s entire roster, which includes many seniors who have grown up playing the game with her.And it has led to improved results. The squad has already more than doubled its District 12-5A win total from a year ago.

“This team is all about staying intense and staying gritty,” Knutson said. “We’ve worked on not backing down when we’re

great leaders and great culture kids. They love each other and play for each other, and they play with passion and energy. I couldn’t ask for a better group of kids and gritty is a great way to describe them.”

Those characteristics were on display in a recent win over The Colony, where HP’s playoff life was on the line.

With a loss likely eliminating the Lady Scots from postseason contention and HP down to its final three outs, Knutson and company rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to prevail, 2-1.

Knutson did her part in the rally with a single while also earning the win in the circle.

A similar effort might be required following the conclusion of the regular season. The two teams are currently on a collision course for a playin game to break a tie for fourth.

But regardless of the final results, Knutson knows they won’t break the bond that has long been formed among her and her HP teammates.

in a tough game, and I think it’s really helped us get to where we are. It’s been so fun and exciting to see where this season has gone and to be able to help in different ways.”

HP head coach Michael Pullen echoed those thoughts.

“I’ve been coaching here for 12 years, and this might be the best group of seniors I’ve ever had,” he said. “They’re

Newly Opened Therapy Center for Short-and Long-Term Rehabilitation

“I moved here in sixth grade, so these are my best friends, not just my softball teammates,” Knutson said. “(Teammate) Shannon Heart was one of the first people I met out here and now we’re going to college together at Texas A&M.

“Honestly, I don’t know if it has really sunk in yet. I’m going to miss these girls so much.”

Cecilia Knutson has been a key cog in the success of Highland Park’s softball team in 2026. CHRIS MCGATHEY

Schools

BRONCOS PRESERVE SCHOOL HISTORY DURING CENTENNIAL WEEK

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

The mystery had kept students at Bradfield Elementary guessing and was sure to enthrall future Broncos — what was inside their school’s first-ever time capsule?

Each grade had voted on what to preserve. The winning items were placed in a stainless-steel container to be buried in front of the school and opened by students 50 years from now.

During the big reveal on April 16, principal Aimee Hilton likened the sturdy box to “a message in a bottle that’s sent forward through time.”

“It carries our voices and our dreams and our stories to those who will one day attend our amazing school,” she told excited students. “Each item placed inside represents who we are at this moment.”

Fourth graders cheered loudly as Hilton divulged their contribution — a GOAT T-shirt like the ones that they each received at the start of the year.

Third graders clapped their hands on their knees to create a drumroll as Hilton announced their choice — the lyrics to The Greatest Showman’s “A Million Dreams,” which they sang on Biography Day.

The time capsule also included one item precious to the school community, a Bradfield Bold Bracelet honoring Eloise Peck and Lila Bonner, who lost their lives in the flooding at Camp Mystic and would have been third graders this year.

Other additions told how Bradfield marked its milestone birthday, such as a notecard that showcased the winner of its centennial art contest and photo of students standing in the shape of the number 100 on its newly turfed field.

A carpool tag and colorful 67 — the trendiest number of 2026 — were added to

give children of the future a window into the lives of students today.

“I can’t imagine what the world is going to look like in 50 years,” parent teacher association president Kamela Aboussie remarked. “I can’t imagine that these things are going to feel like relics.”

After students learned the capsule’s contents, their teachers posed for photos with a ceremonial shovel that had already helped

MEMORIES THEY SHARED

Each grade of Bradfield students voted on an item to include in its time capsule. The selections were:

Pre-K: Picture cards that help them follow their daily schedule

• Kindergarten: A miniature version of the red chair they sit in as a reward for having a great day

First Grade: A mini-dalmatian, like the dalmatian puppies they dressed up as on the 101st day of school

• Second Grade: A program from their ‘BUGZ’ musical

Third Grade: Lyrics to “A Million Dreams,” which they sang on Biography Day

grow the school’s legacy. Bradfield kicked off its centennial week on April 13 by dedicating a live oak tree that had been newly planted on school grounds.

“This tree stands in honor of all who’ve been part of this journey,” principal Hilton said during the dedication. “It reminds us that what we build today will continue to shape the lives of those who come after us.”

Each fourth grader left school with an oak

• Fourth Grade: A GOAT T-shirt that each received at the start of the year, which declared that the 2026 fourth-grade class was the greatest of all time

sapling of their own. Some of the budding arborists had big plans for their trees.

“I’ll probably plant it,” Betty Taylor said. “I’ll let it grow and make a little sign for it and plant flowers around it.”

Aboussie was inspired to dedicate the live oak by looking back at the school’s 50th year scrapbook, which documents how students planted the same type of tree for Arbor Day.

The book was also the origin for the week’s main event — a showing of Toy Story on the field for Bradfield families. In 1976, the school held a celebratory family movie night in its auditorium.

Principal Hilton said she hopes students realize that they’re part of Bradfield’s larger history and legacy.

“Even though we know things change over time, our values do not change,” she said while introducing the time capsule’s contents. “The values that define our school, such as integrity, friendship, and a commitment to excellence, will endure no matter who goes through our halls each and every day.”

Bradfield Alums, Students, Staff Connect at Homecoming

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Bradfield Elementary welcomed former staff, generations of students, and special guests to its campus on April 14 for a homecoming event celebrating 100 years of school history.

Visitors included Clay Bradfield, the great-grandson of John Sherman Bradfield, the school’s namesake. John S. Bradfield was a longtime Highland Park ISD board chair known for his wisdom and devotion.

This was the first time that Clay had been inside the rebuilt elementary school, which opened in the fall of 2019 after a complete redesign. Bradfield, Hyer, and University Park Elementary were rebuilt and Boone Elementary was constructed with funds from Highland Park ISD’s $361.4 million bond package passed in 2015, which was by far the largest in the district’s history.

Clay described the new Bradfield as bright and impressive, and said he loved its distinctive stairs.

“I remember being here for the

75th (anniversary) and now I’m here for the 100th, so it’s just kind of a cool thing,” he added.

John S. Bradfield’s granddaughter, Claire Roberts, was more familiar with the renovated school. She served on the redesign committee and was on hand at the new Bradfield’s dedication in October 2019.

Four of her grandchildren were the first members of the Bradfield family to attend the school that bears their great-great-grandfather’s name. Two of her great-grandchildren are current students.

“I think it’s out of this world, it’s fabulous,” Roberts said of the new building.

Longtime Bradfield staff members also returned to celebrate the centennial. Shirley Martin helped teach at Bradfield for more than five decades as an educational aide. She assisted in guiding students through everything from their move to the new building to their response to a false bomb threat and flooding that impacted the school’s parking garage.

“It was a nice, old building, but its infrastructure was done, and we

TAKE HOME A PIECE OF BRADFIELD HISTORY

Bradfield’s centennial year is almost over, but families can make their memories last by purchasing an item from the school’s Centennial Capsule Collection. Commemorative jewelry, home goods, clothing and other items can be found at bradfieldpta.org/ centennial-capsule. Supporters can make donations to the Bradfield Elementary Centennial Campaign at the same website.

had outgrown it,” Martin said of the prior facility. “At one point, we were so crowded that I and another aide were teaching on the stage.”

Attendees of the homecoming event were offered student-led tours of the building, along with refreshments, including cake, in the cafeteria.

Park Cities People’s founding editor Kirk Dooley, who is a Bradfield alum and former parent, concluded the homecoming celebration with a talk through Bradfield’s history.

Dooley reminisced about beloved staff members and recalled

when a twin-engine plane crashed into the school’s north wall on Sept. 27, 1967. Students had fortuitously been dismissed early, but all seven people on board the aircraft were killed on impact.

Dooley highlighted the work of the school’s devoted former custodian and crossing guard, Sam Flores. It didn’t make a difference who made a mess — Flores would just clean it up, Dooley recalled.

Flores died in 2023, but a bench, dubbed “Sam’s corner” in his honor, remains on the campus.

Sam’s wife, Hilda, and their sons, Sam, Joshua, and Jonathan Martinez Flores, were on hand for the centennial festivities.

“What a joy it was to see so many sweet friends and teachers walk through the school’s photo gallery spanning 100 years, and hear stories from years past!” the younger Sam wrote in a post on social media. “To the families and lifelong friends we have had the pleasure of knowing, you are so cherished. We are incredibly thankful for your friendship and love.”

John S. Bradfield Elementary School alumni and former staff members from decades past returned to the school for a homecoming celebration April 14. RACHEL SNYDER

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Bradfield teachers and excited students posed for photos after they learned the time capsule’s contents. Students threw their school a birthday party. Inquisitive students asked about Bradfield’s live oak tree. SARAH HODGES AND RACHEL SNYDER

Broadway Comes to the MIS/HPMS Auditorium

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Before Highland Park middle and intermediate school students retold a classic fairy tale, they got a taste of Broadway magic themselves.

Kerry Butler, a Tony-nominated actress whose stage credits include Belle in Beauty and the Beast and roles in more than ten other Broadway productions, and Pierce Cravens, who played Chip in Beauty and the Beast before becoming an actor and producer, visited MIS/HPMS ahead of the school’s production of Beauty and the Beast Jr.

The two shared stories, answered questions, and offered hard-won perspectives to the fifth through eighth graders who had spent months building props, mastering choreography, and perfecting demanding vocal parts.

Cravens recalled his own time in the

wings with humor. During Ragtime, he snuck in games of laser tag — until the beams began bleeding into the sound system.

“The audience was hearing ‘pew, pew, pew’ from backstage,” he said, to laughter. “(The stage managers) were not very happy with me.”

On the subject of rejection, both were candid. Butler, who spent more than a decade auditioning before her Broadway breakthrough, told students she still faces rejection daily. Her turning point came when she leaned into what made her distinctive, a self-described “really, really nerdy” quality that unlocked her gift for comedy.

“Every single one of you is different and unique and special,” she told the young performers. “And when you find that thing that makes you special, embrace that.”

Butler spent over two hours coaching students on vocal technique and emotional authenticity, encouraging them to inhabit their

characters’ inner lives rather than simply deliver lines. The effect was not lost on the cast.

“It felt like I was under her wing, like she was teaching me how to actually be on Broadway,” said eighth-grader Sophia Colenso, who played Madame Wardrobe.

Fifth-grader Piper Henderson, who played Chip, a child turned teacup who longs to be human again, had a specific plan for putting Butler’s advice to work. Butler had encouraged students to draw on genuine personal longing to fuel their characters’ emotions.

“Kerry Butler told me to think of something that I really wanted,” Henderson said. “So, during ‘Be Our Guest,’ I’m going to think of a new dog.”

Butler and Cravens’ visits were made possible by a grant from HP Arts, the Raider Drama Booster Club, and HPMS theater director Genevieve Croft. Butler flew in from New York for the occasion; Cravens, who

now lives in Highland Park, was a local connection who helped bring it together.

The day closed with a cabaret performance for students’ families, with Butler offering songs from her time on Broadway, before a duet with Shannon Howerton, who co-directed the MIS/HPMS production alongside Croft.

“I’ve been a theater kid since I was probably six years old,” Howerton said. “To perform with a genuine Broadway star — that’s a dream I’ve had since I was a little kid.”

For her final number, Butler walked onstage arm-in-arm with the eighth graders who alternate in the role of Belle, sharing the spotlight with much of the cast.

“It was so inspiring to hear about people who had made it — and how they were like me once,” said eighth-grader Maggie Boone, who played Belle. “They loved theater. It was incredible.”

Kerry Butler and Pierce Cravens answered questions, signed autographs, and advised students before the young thespians brought Beauty and the Beast Jr. to the stage. SARAH HODGES

MARKET IS Strong

PHPS Students Learn From Funny Author With Serious Message

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

Students at Preston Hollow Presbyterian School knew that Drew Daywalt’s creative stories about disgruntled crayons, a paper fortune teller with fortitude, and a hero pug were unique.

When Daywalt visited their school on March 24, they learned that the bestselling author is as well.

School was “13 years of one long learning difference,” the author of The Day the Crayons Quit, The Day the Crayons Came Home , and other acclaimed children’s books told students.

“I wasn’t like any of the other kids,” Daywalt said during a student-led podcast. “I went to a traditional school, and I had pretty bad dyslexia.”

He added that he also has dyscalculia, a learning disability similar to dyslexia that affects a student’s ability to do math. Daywalt said that his dyscalculia wasn’t diagnosed until college, after he earned years of failing grades in the subject.

“I studied writing because I did well in writing,” he said. “But I struggled with (math) all the time. And no one ever knew.”

After the podcast, Daywalt made parents and children at an assembly laugh out loud by describing the idea behind his book about

letter-writing crayons that go on strike (the characters are based on grown-ups, not whiny children) and his process for creating a story about a noble, crime-fighting pug.

“I wrote this book with my dog, and he’s terrible at spelling,” Daywalt said, showing students a picture of his tie-clad pup at a laptop. “Look how he types. There are lots of typos in there.”

When Daywalt introduced his book, The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors, to students, he described himself as “the world grand champion” of the classic playground game. But he was quickly defeated by fifth-grader Penn

Rowsey after he challenged a student volunteer to a match.

Rowsey explained later that he wasn’t surprised by the win. His rock, paper, scissors strategy gives him a 75% chance of victory. Rowsey added that he’d enjoyed Daywalt’s presentation, as well as the signature hairstyle that Daywalt has been told makes him look like a crayon himself.

Daywalt read from his newest book, Forty the Fortune Teller, before calling students to the front of the room and introducing them to the real paper Forty, who revealed their humorous futures.

“Forty says that you are now

the keeper of the chicken of power. As fate would have it, I happen to have a chicken of power with me, by total coincidence,” Daywalt told Blake Booher before handing the laughing second grader a rubber chicken. He reminded Booher that “with great power comes great responsibility,” and suggested she squeak the chicken when her teacher starts talking. Students also appreciated Daywalt’s personal story of growing up with learning differences. Preston Hollow Presbyterian School provides a supportive environment for students with learning differences, helping them reach their potential

WANT TO HEAR MORE?

Check out The PHPS Difference podcast on Spotify or Apple

to

and equipping them with strategies for future success.

“Most of the struggles that he’s had, I have too,” said fifth-grader Penny Teicher, one of the leaders of the podcast who introduced Daywalt at the assembly. She added that it was cool that Daywalt had achieved so much success.

The event’s organizers hope that Daywalt’s message of resilience stays with students.

Sara Lund, a member of the school’s library committee, can still recall the motivational speakers who visited the Shelton School while she was a student there. Those experiences were inspiring for her as a child, and she’s working with other committee members to bring more guest authors to Preston Hollow Presbyterian School.

“It was a way to rethink my learning disability,” Lund said. “You could move on from that and go on to be a successful adult and have an interesting career. There was hope at the end of the tunnel.”

As active users of the Katy Trail, our family values the Trail's role in promoting health, connection, and community. It is a city-wide gathering place that provides mental and physical wellness benefits, a sense of belonging, and alternative transportation.

One of our city’s greatest assets, the Trail is also a must-see destination for visitors to Dallas.

Please join us in supporting the important work of Friends of the Katy Trail by making a gift to the Spring Support Campaign.

Amit Sharma and Shiwali Rai Spring Support Campaign Honorary Chairs

Amit, Shiwali, and son Shiv

Second to fifth graders and technology and library integration specialist Becky Barrett with Drew Daywalt. SARAH HODGES

Podcasts

hear Drew Daywalt’s complete interview at Preston Hollow Presbyterian School, which supports students with learning differences.

When your family, future, and finances are on the line, you need more than legal advice—you need a team that knows how to fight for you. At Mueller Family Law Group, we combine compassion with unrelenting advocacy. From complex divorces and high-asset property division to custody disputes and mediation, our mission is clear: protect what matters most. Led by Jim Mueller—Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a member of The American College of Family Trial Lawyers (An organization consisting of the nation’s top 100 family trial lawyers) — our team brings proven skill, efficiency, and focus to every case. Clients trust us to deliver results while safeguarding both emotional and financial well-being. At Mueller Family Law Group, we don’t just handle cases. We stand beside families through life’s toughest transitions.

The Highland Park Education Foundation proudly celebrates the successful completion of the historic Lead for Tomorrow Endowment Campaign.

With sincere gratitude, we recognize the following generous donors whose support made the success of the Lead for Tomorrow Endowment Campaign possible. Through the generosity of our community, more than $47 million has been committed to the Tartan Endowment, expanding it from 50 funds to more than 250 Legacy Funds. This extraordinary growth strengthens a permanent source of support for HPISDbenefiting our students, our teachers, and our schools - today and for generations to come.

VISIONARY VISIONARY

Stephens Greth Foundation / Lyndal & Richard Greth Legacy Fund

Clements Foundation

Garry Weber Foundation Legacy Fund

CHAMPIONS CHAMPIONS

Andrée and Bill Hickey Memorial Education Legacy Fund

Barbara and Ben Cervin Legacy Fund

Carpenter Family Legacy Fund

Hegi Family Educational Excellence Fund

Herbert and Nancy Hunt Family Legacy Fund

Jones Family Legacy Fund, in honor of Randy Allen

Judy and James Gibbs Legacy Fund

Julie and Louis Beecherl, Jr. Memorial Legacy Fund

Katy and Kyle Miller Legacy Fund

Leslie and Bill Cornog Legacy Fund

The Rowling Family Legacy Fund for Teacher and Staff Salaries

SCHOLARS SCHOLARS

Annette C. Simmons

Duvall Family Legacy Fund, in honor of Randy Allen

Kerr Family Legacy Fund

Perlman Family Legacy Fund

The Barnett and Filgo Families Legacy Fund in memory of Michael C. Barnett

TRAILBLAZERS TRAILBLAZERS

Alyson and Robert Engstrom Legacy Fund

Anna and Ryan Moss Legacy Fund

Iliff Family Legacy Fund

Marcy Wilson Sands Family Legacy Fund

Paige Wilbur Legacy Fund

Shufeldt Family Legacy Fund for Girls Golf

Stafford Family Legacy Fund

Yeaman Family Legacy Fund

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

Amy and Bryce Benson Legacy Fund

Bev and Larry Dale Legacy Fund

Billie and Gillis Thomas Family Foundation / Robyn and Don Conlon Legacy Fund

Carolyn and Randy Allen Fund for Highland Park Football

Cindy and Guy Kerr Legacy Fund

Dowler Legacy Fund

Friends of the Tartan Endowment

Gail and Bob Clark Legacy Fund

Gayle and Jeff Barnes Legacy Fund

Hawn Foundation Legacy Fund

Heather and Bill ten Broeke Legacy Fund

Highland Park MIS/HPMS PTO Legacy Fund

Janelle and Adam Hickey Legacy Fund for Special Education

Janis and Roy Coffee, Jr. Legacy Fund for Teacher a nd Staff Salaries

Kacy and Carter Tolleson Legacy Fund

Kamela and Kenneth Aboussie Legacy Fund

La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas Legacy Fund

Langley Family Legacy Fund

Liz and Chris Young Legacy Fund

Monica and Leland White Legacy Fund

Park Cities Dads Club Legacy Fund

Pincoffs Family Legacy Fund

Rees-Jones Legacy Fund

Rowsey Family Legacy Fund

Sandy and Barry Moore Legacy Fund

Steve and Lee Ann Van Amburgh Legacy Fund

Taylor Family Legacy Fund

Park Cities Dads Club Teachers Cup Legacy Fund

Tricia and Bill Miller Legacy Fund

GOLD CIRCLE GOLD CIRCLE

Anonymous

Armstrong Elementary PTA Legacy Fund

Ashley and Pete Flowers Legacy Fund

Brenda and Bob White Legacy Fund

G. Stacy and Ashley Smith Family Legacy Fund

Highland Park High School PTA Legacy Fund

Holly and Nathan Lawrence Legacy Fund

Holly and Phillip Philbin Legacy Fund

Holly and Phillip Philbin Men's Cross Country Legacy Fund

Hyer Elementary PTA Legacy Fund

Janet and Thomas (Tommy) Paul '58 Legacy Fund

Jenni Marks Scoggins Legacy Fund

Jennifer and Noble Nash Legacy Fund

Jill and Carter Malouf Visual Arts Impact Legacy Fund

Kathy and Bob Craine Legacy Fund for Teacher and St aff Salaries

Kay and Edward Herring Family Legacy Fund

Li and David Stobaugh Legacy Fund

Libby and Brian Hegi Family Legacy Fund

Libby and Brian Hegi Men’s Cross Country Legacy Fun d

Lynn and Neel Lemon Legacy Fund

Nancy and Joe Foran Family Fund

Nancy and Ryan Scripps Legacy Fund

Nancy O'Neil and John Q. Stilwell Family Legacy Fun d

Sylvie and Gary Crum Legacy Fund

Tracey and Aaron Kozmetsky Legacy Fund

Trey Vennerberg Legacy Fund

W. Maxwell Thomas, M.D. Legacy Fund

NAVY CIRCLE NAVY

Andrew J. Clyde and Family Legacy Fund

Ann and Frank Houseman Legacy Fund

Anne and Blake Pogue Legacy Fund

Carol and Patrick McEvoy, Jr. Legacy Fund

Class of 1984 Legacy Fund

Coach Jim Mouser Legacy Fund

Dalton Family Legacy Fund

Elizabeth and Drew Speicher Legacy Fund

Elizabeth and Taylor Hunt Legacy Fund

Eva, David, and GB Stalnaker Academic Decathalon Le gacy Fund

Florence and Taylor Jackson Legacy Fund

Gwinn Family Legacy Fund

Hardie Family Legacy Fund

Jane Wallingford and Peter Shaw Legacy Fund

Jean and Jason Signor Legacy Fund

Kathryn Little Shuford Legacy Fund

Lee and Lou Schaufele Legacy Fund

Lisa and Bill Ogle Legacy Fund

Lucky and Brooks Cullum Legacy Fund

Maryjane and Chris Bonfield Legacy Fund

McCoy Family Legacy Fund

Melinda and Mike Lafitte Legacy Fund

Meredith and Kyle Bebee Legacy Fund

Mimi and Bill Vanderstraaten Legacy Fund for Teachers Salaries

Molly and John Barns Legacy Fund

Mona and Grey Stogner Family Legacy Fund

Ogden Family Legacy Fund

Park Family Foundation Legacy Fund

Pat and Jane Bolin Legacy Fund

Prichard Family Legacy Fund

Ray W. Washburne

Susan Rhoads HPHS Library Legacy Fund

Suzanne and Ken Brown Legacy Fund

Suzy and Tom Rhodes Legacy Fund

The Doug Woodward Family Legacy Fund

William D. Oates Memorial Legacy

PLAID CIRCLE PLAID CIRCLE

Alicia and Scott Wood Legacy Fund for Special Education In Class Support and Resource

Allison and Ryan Small Legacy Fund

Ana and Jim Yoder Legacy Fund

Anne and Preston Massey Legacy Fund

Ashley and Brian Nowak Legacy Fund

Baird Family Legacy Fund

Barbara and Mike McKenzie Legacy Fund for Special Programs and TAG Services

Barrett Family Legacy Fund

Becky and Bob McCamey Legacy Fund

Beth and Nick Peters Family Legacy Fund

Betsy and Cary Newman Legacy Fund

Boone Elementary PTO Legacy Fund

Bradfield Elementary PTA Legacy Fund

Carrie and Dallas Cothrum Legacy Fund

Cejka Family Legacy Fund

Chantilis Family Legacy Fund

Clift Family Legacy Fund

Coach Susan Bailey Legacy Fund for Lady Scots Athle tics

Connie Blass O'Neill Legacy Fund

Crouch Family Legacy Fund

Dawn and Steve Moore Legacy Fund

Denise and Ray Nixon Legacy Fund

Dixie Ann and Randy Wilson Legacy Fund

Ellen and Paul Lee Legacy Fund

Emily and Warren Lee Family Legacy Fund

Erwin Family Legacy Fund

Esther and James Choi Legacy Fund for Raider Math a nd Science Team

Halpin Family Legacy Fund

Harding Cardwell Woidneck

PLAID CIRCLE continued PLAID CIRCLE continued

Hodges Family Legacy Fund

Iru and Louis Morrison Clan Legacy Fund

Jane and John Lancaster Legacy Fund

Janet and Norman Smith Legacy Fund

Jené and Mike Rockwood Legacy Fund

Joan Hudson Clark Legacy Fund

Jodi and Kenneth Pratt Legacy Fund for Teacher and Staff Salaries

Juli and Bob Harrison Family Legacy Fund

Karen and Chuck Edwards Legacy Fund

Kathy and Larry Helm Legacy Fund

Kay and Steve Head Legacy Fund

Kershaw Family Legacy Fund

Laura and Michael Doak Legacy Fund

Laurie and Jim Hitzelberger Legacy Fund

Laurie and Stan Wright Legacy Fund, honoring the Teeple, Wright, and Becker familes

Leslie Melson Legacy Fund

Lisa Loy Laughlin and Kendall Adams Laughlin Family Legacy Fund

Lissie and Wayne McCullough Legacy Fund

Litton Family Legacy Fund

Lucy Johnson and Rick Tubb Legacy Fund

Lynn and Bob Abbott Legacy Fund for Teacher and Staff Salaries

Mandy and Robert Blount Legacy Fund

Margaret and Syd Carter Legacy Fund

Margo and Bill Goodwin Legacy Fund

Marla and Mike Boone Legacy Fund

Maryann and Michael Denton, Jr. Legacy Fund

Meg and Chris Boyd Legacy Fund

Meredith and Corby Ferrell Legacy Fund

Michelle and George Dunlap Legacy Fund

Nancy and Foster Poole Legacy Fund

Nicole Metzger Brewer Legacy Fund

Oglesby Family Investment Fund for HPHS

Preston Kerr and Audrey Kerr Youngman Families Legacy Fund

Rain Family Legacy Fund

Rochelle and Stuart Cullum Legacy Fund

Sally and Dick Davis Legacy Fund

Sarita and Jake Francis Legacy Fund

Sherri Hewett Owen ’78 and Kate Owen ’22 Legacy Fun d

Shipley Family Legacy Fund

Shoptaw Family Legacy Fund

Shufeldt Family Legacy Fund

Tana and Tim Roberts Legacy Fund

Taylor and Michael Massad Family Legacy Fund

The Hoglund Foundation Legacy Fund

The Liz and Bill Armstrong Family Fund

The Malloy Family Legacy Fund

The Stensrud Family Legacy Fund

University Park Elementary PTA Legacy Fund

Vera Neel Wallace Legacy Fund in memory of HPHS Teacher, Eileen Steensen

Whitaker Family Legacy Fund

Community

EASTER BUNNY DELIVERS MORNING OF FUN TO UNIVERSITY PARK

Little ones hopped to Caruth Park on March 28 for the city of University Park’s annual Eggstravaganza.

The event featured Easter egg hunts that were divided by age group, starting with children up to 2 years old, followed by 3-to 5-year-olds, and concluding with those ages 6 and up.

The Easter Bunny took time out of his busy schedule for photos with celebrants. When they weren’t scrambling for eggs, youngsters could enjoy additional activities throughout the morning.

The Eggstravaganza is typically held at Centennial Park but was relocated to Caruth Park this year due to construction.

-Compiled by staff

May is Coming for Your Calendar and Your Sanity

There’s something about May in the Park Cities that feels a little … unhinged.

It’s like we all collectively decide to pack an entire year’s worth of emotions, events, outfit changes, and photo opportunities into a three-week window and then act surprised when we’re exhausted.

Graduation season is here.

And if you’re a parent, you’re not just attending it, you’re managing it.

Because let’s be honest, this whole thing doesn’t start with high school. We’ve been training for this moment since preschool.

I still remember those first tiny cap-andgown ceremonies. At the time, I thought, this is adorable … and also slightly dramatic for a group of 4-year-olds who still need help opening their snacks. But even then, there was that little thought in the back of my mind: one day this is going to be a much bigger deal.

Turns out, that voice was right.

By elementary school, we’ve fully entered the era of “extra.” Parades, car decorating, coordinating t-shirts, it’s a whole production. I spent an impressive amount of time making sure our car looked just right … only for my daughter to hop into someone else’s because, apparently, theirs was better.

Nothing builds character like losing your own child to a more festive SUV.

Middle school graduation? Blink and you might miss it. It’s like everyone collectively agreed to take a breather before things got real.

And then … high school.

This is where it all shifts. One minute you’re juggling schedules and trying to remember where you parked, and the next you’re watching your child walk across a stage thinking, how did we get here and why am I suddenly crying in public?

And just when you think you’ve pulled yourself together, college drop-off.

You’re excited. They’re excited. This is what you’ve been working toward. And

yet, somewhere between unloading the car and making the bed, it hits you: this isn’t temporary.

I remember thinking, I’m fine. I’ve got this.

I did not, in fact, have this.

So as I look ahead to a May next year with both a high school and a college graduation, I’m trying to be a little wiser this time around.

Here’s what I’ve learned.

First, clear your schedule as if your life depends on it. If it’s not directly related to your child or their celebrations, it can wait. May will fill itself up without your help.

Second, let go of perfection. There will always be a better car, a better photo, a better-dressed group. Your kid will remember how you showed up, not how your decorations stacked up.

And third, this one matters the most, don’t try to power through the emotions.

I made the mistake of staying busy and telling myself I’d deal with it later. And I did … just not at a convenient time. Those feelings have a way of showing up whether you

make space for them or not.

So feel it while it’s happening. The pride, the excitement, the lump in your throat that sneaks up on you.

Because graduation isn’t just their milestone.

It’s ours too.

It’s the realization that all those ordinary days, carpool lines, packed lunches, reminders shouted from the kitchen actually added up to something pretty extraordinary.

So yes, May may feel like a sprint you didn’t train for.

But if you can, slow it down just enough to take it in.

Laugh at the chaos. Let go of the pressure.

And don’t miss it.

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.

MARTHA JACKSON

Little bunnies scrambled for eggs, met the Easter Bunny, and enjoyed family fun during University Park’s Eggstravaganza. CHRIS MCGATHEY

‘Park Cities People’ Applauds

April Bigby, Renée French, and Clay Ewing, the recipients of the 2025 Diane Galloway Volunteer of the Year Award from the Friends of the University Park Public Library.

Legendary R ESULTS

“Everything she did enabled everything that the Friends does,” the nonprofit’s president, Katharine Friguletto, said of April Bigby at a recent University Park City Council meeting. Bigby led a team of volunteers who made much-needed upgrades to the Friends’ outdated technology. “Our website is amazing,” Friguletto said. “It has laid a foundation for the years to come.”

Library director Jackie Lott described Renée French, who began volunteering as a weekly shelver last May, as “an absolutely joy to have on the volunteer team.”

Although she has moved out of the area, French’s kindness, generosity, and willingness to lend a hand will have a lasting impact on the library.

Despite being a busy student at Highland Park High School, Clay Ewing has volunteered for over a year at twice-monthly programs for elementary students. Youth services librarian Zoe Williams called Ewing patient and kind in his interactions with children and noted that he is always willing to help in any way he can.

“She’s appreciated his reliability (and) his enthusiasm for working with younger kids,” Friguletto told the council, adding that Ewing sets a high bar for other volunteers.

Highland Park High School seniors Camden Coale and Layton Braziel, who brought home their second consecutive state championship in 5A cross-examination debate in March. The students beat out more than 50 teams from around the state to earn the UIL title. They had to prepare to argue both sides of a resolution — the position they took in each debate was determined by a coin toss — as well as to answer questions posed by their opponents during a three-minute cross examination period.

-Compiled by Sarah Hodges

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After Loss of Two Historic Homes, Preservation Park Cities Rallies to Save What’s Left

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Highland Park’s Mushroom House may be cooked, but there’s still more on the menu for Preservation Park Cities.

The nonprofit with a mission to preserve and promote the Park Cities’ history, architecture, and traditions is working to increase education about historically and architecturally significant homes.

On March 28, Preservation Park Cities landmarked three homes in recognition of their owners’ efforts to renovate them in a way that maintains their original architectural integrity.

The homes included Peggy and Dan Meyer’s home in the 4400 block of Arcady Avenue, the Sewell’s historic Hal Thomson-designed home in the 4700 block of Drexel Drive, and Kelly and Mark Bunting’s Italian Renaissance-style home in the 3600 block of Beverly Drive, which was designed by Hal Thomson and built in 1923.

Architect Craig Melde of Architexas has

also led a team that compiled a register of historic homes in the Park Cities, a process that took about a year. The registry features data, such as dates of construction, architects, and previous owners of note, for about 89 homes. It should be available on Preservation Park Cities’ website in the coming months, said Larry Good, an architect who serves on the Preservation Park Cities Board.

Preservation Park Cities President Jason Morski explained that the registry will also serve as a “record for homeowners if they ever need to do research, if they ever want to do landmarking or any type of deed restriction.”

In addition to the registry, Morski said the organization is partnering with Preservation Dallas on realtor education events.

While landmarking and education encourage efforts to preserve the fabric and history of the Park Cities community, they don’t prevent future renovations — or even a home’s demolition.

“We want some day, some year, for there to be rules in Highland Park and University Park

ABOUT PRESERVATION PARK CITIES

The organization’s work includes landmarking initiatives, educational events such as a Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, and scholarship awards for graduating Highland Park seniors seeking to study architecture or history, and more.

that would govern demolitions and things to help protect these homes,” Good said.

Preservationists were dismayed — but not surprised — by the January demolition of the distinctive Mushroom House near the corner of Armstrong Parkway and Preston Road.

The home was designed to satisfy the unique vision of architect Tom Workman in 1997, but his creation may not have had wide appeal. The home was demolished after its purchase by car dealership magnate Clay Cooley and his wife, Lisa, according to Dallas County Appraisal District records.

“We long ago presumed it would be torn down,” Good said. “We didn’t think Clay (Cooley) would be saving it and, honestly, we didn’t think anybody other than the Workmans would save a house that was so funky and unusual and … like a fairytale.”

Good said he believes that some items from the house, like its copper shingles, cabinetry, and stained glass, should have been preserved. The shingles weren’t saved, but other items from the home were gathered and put up for sale at a consignment shop.

The demise of the Mushroom House was preceded by the demolition of the Cox Mansion, a 1912 Italian Renaissance-style mansion at the corner of Preston Road and Beverly Drive that was formerly owned by the late Edwin L. Cox Sr., for whom SMU’s business school is named.

That mansion, which was designed by Hubbell & Greene Architects, was sold to billionaire banker Andy Beal in 2021. Hubbell & Greene is also known for crafting the Neiman Marcus building and the Arts District Mansion, formerly known as the Belo Mansion.

PPC Hosting Historic Home Tour and Market

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

Preservation Park Cities will host its annual Historic Home Tour and Market the Friday before Mother’s Day weekend.

The event recognizes homes that have been preserved or remodeled while maintaining the aesthetic of the Highland Park and University Park neighborhoods. This year’s event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 8, is co-chaired by Cory Bowen and Krista Porteous. The event’s rain date is Saturday, May 9.

Proceeds from ticket sales support Preservation Park Cities in its mission to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities.

“From small cottages to larger estates, the home tour is a small window into the past, a celebration of those who share the community’s values, and a wonderful treat for those who appreciate historic architecture,” according to a Preservation Park Cities news release.

The homes on this year’s tour are 3530 Princeton Avenue, 3801 Beverly Drive, and 4308 Overhill Drive.

The Historic Home Tour Market will be held at 3801 Beverly Drive. Visitors can browse Dallas-based vendors in their search for that perfect Mother’s Day gift. Access to the market, which will also be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., is included with Home Tour tickets. HOW TO GET TICKETS

Tickets cost $45 and are sold online only. No tickets will be sold at the door. preservationparkcities.org/2026Tour

New HPUMC Senior Minister Plans to Continue Legacy of Service

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

New Senior Minister Matt Tuggle is committed to continuing Highland Park United Methodist Church’s more than century-old tradition of community service.

Tuggle recently replaced Rev. Paul Rasmussen, who transitioned to an emeritus role in February after serving as senior minister for more than a decade.

“Paul was very intentional about giving me opportunities to lead and opportunities to preach,” Tuggle said. “One of the things I hope to continue to do is to give the next generation of leaders opportunities to preach and to lead.”

Tuggle may be new to his role, but he is a familiar face to SMU neighbors and the HPUMC congregation. In preparation for his career in ministry, Tuggle attended SMU’s Perkins School of Theology, near where his future wife, Amy, lived, and interned at HPUMC.

“That’s when I got to know a lot of our staff, and our pastors,

and a lot of members of our congregation,” he said. “I think this church really maintains a strong focus on Jesus’ command to love God and love people. I think this is a place where people can grow in their personal relationship with Jesus and be actively involved in service to the community.”

Tuggle and his wife moved to Georgia after he graduated from seminary, then returned to HPUMC. Tuggle worked in the church’s youth ministry, which later evolved into a family ministry, before leading a small service at Cox Chapel.

Most recently, Tuggle led Cornerstone, the church’s contemporary worship ministry. He also serves on the executive board of the SMU Perkins School of Theology.

As senior minister at HPUMC, Tuggle will seek to continue Rasmussen’s efforts to grow the Belong Disability Ministry, which offered 1,981 hours of programming for individuals with disabilities on the HPUMC campus in 2025.

Tuggle is overseeing major investments in the church, its future

WHAT IS PROJECT MOCKINGBIRD?

Highland Park United Methodist Church will renovate and expand Wesley Hall, Chance’s Café, and Kids Ministry spaces, and invest in community partners and leaders as part of the multi-million-dollar capital campaign.

leaders, and the Dallas community through HPUMC’s Project Mockingbird, which began with a capital campaign that raised more than $46 million.

The project is funding improvements that include expansions and renovations at Wesley Hall, Chance’s Cafe (which provides job training for people with disabilities), and the Kids Ministry spaces on the second floor.

It is also financing initiatives that support future leaders and joining with local partners to assist underserved communities.

Tuggle said the church is working with Austin Street Center, St. Philip’s School, and Forge Now in particular as part of Project Mockingbird.

“The vision is to see our church and our city thrive by investing in

churches, leaders, and these nonprofits that are fighting poverty in the city of Dallas,” Tuggle said.

“I’m not casting any new vision. We’re going to continue the momentum of Project Mockingbird in the next three to five years to bless our city.”

Tuggle also said he is dedicat-

ed to ensuring HPUMC remains a welcoming congregation.

“People drive by our church, and it’s big, and it’s beautiful and all those things, and they think, ‘I don’t know that I would feel welcome in a place like that,’” he said. “And then they come in, and they feel like they’re at home.”

New Highland Park United Methodist Church Senior Minister Matt Tuggle recently took over from Paul Rasmussen. RACHEL SNYDER

The Mushroom House before demolition. SARAH HODGES

What the market is and isn’t doing.

The North Texas luxury housing market is in a recalibration phase — not a correction. We are seeing a more selective, analytical buyer and a market that is increasingly segmented by price point, product and location: $5 million and up, with constrained supply, highly targeted buyers and strong pricing outcomes; $2 million to $5 million, the most competitive segment, with increased scrutiny and negotiation; and $1 million to $2 million, where there is the most pressure, driven by rate sensitivity and rising inventory. This segmentation is playing out differently across North Texas. The core Dallas luxury market — Highland Park and University Park — remains one of the most resilient segments, with higher median prices and less days on the market, signaling continued demand for premier homes. But emerging luxury markets — think Prosper, Celina, Aledo — are defining the next phase of North Texas luxury, with healthy sales growth and a demand for space and lifestyle that is strong. This is where future luxury inventory is being built. Meanwhile, Fort Worth continues to evolve as a strategic luxury alternative. Here are the market dynamics that have defined Q1 2026: 1) Inventory has reset expectations, which means greater pricing scrutiny and increased negotiation. 2) Buyers are more strategic than ever: data-informed, design-conscious and willing to wait for the right property. 3) The execution gap is widening: The difference between well-prepared, wellpriced homes that are selling efficiently and overpriced or underwhelming homes that are sitting on the market has never been more pronounced. The bottom line? The North Texas luxury market is not slowing: It is evolving into a more sophisticated, segmented environment. The expert advisors of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty understand how to navigate pricing, positioning and submarket dynamics and how to create the most success for their clients — not just in 2026 but always.

Living

HPHS STUDENT COUNCIL RAISES FUNDS FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

By Sarah Hodges sarah.hodges@peoplenewspapers.com

The members of Highland Park High School’s student council never seemed to tire of bouncing, playing kickball, and decorating small faces with rainbow unicorn horns, crosses, and sparkles.

Even a special showing of Minions on the high school’s softball field wasn’t enough to keep some of the young guests at their movie night fundraiser on March 28 from more play.

But by the time the Minions

made their last dash across the screen, the dedicated high schoolers had raised about $17,000 for the foundations that honor the six Park Cities girls who lost their lives in the July 4 flooding at Camp Mystic.

Many of the high schoolers, who also each wrote letters to raise funds, feel a close connection to the young flood victims, explained executive council vice president Cate Young.

“We went to the same elementary schools that they went to. We lived the same childhoods that they did,” she said. “This night is just meant to be a night of childhood,

where everyone can come and celebrate and remember in a positive way the joy and youthfulness of the girls that we’ve lost.”

The student council’s fundraising tradition started two decades ago to support the family of a council member whose mother was battling breast cancer. Over the years, its spring benefits have raised a total of about $300,000 for causes as diverse as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, heart disease, Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer, and a school in Zambia.

But it wasn’t difficult to decide who this year’s beneficiaries should

be. “This is what we needed to do,” said sponsor John Hinton, who guides the council with assistance from co-sponsor Michelle Grimes.

In past years, the student council has hosted spikeball tournaments, concerts, and even a four-hour parents’ night out. But this was the group’s first-ever movie night fundraiser. Its 61 members spent months planning the event and worked together to choose the perfect family film.

They used proceeds from the high school’s Homecoming Dance to finance an evening overflowing with family fun, including an obstacle

course, Scooby Doo bounce house, climbing wall, face painting, and sports such as spikeball and soccer.

Council members said that they hoped the event wouldn’t simply raise funds but would also bring together community members and forge connections between older and younger students.

“We really want to remind the community that we are strongest when we are spending time together and being joyful together,” Young said, “and enjoying the privilege that it is to live here and be in each other’s company.”

After over an hour of carrying excited younger children, painting faces, and bouncing in the Scooby Doo bounce house, sophomore representative Gray Tiffany said she wasn’t tired yet. The movie night “makes the community feel more welcoming and together,” she remarked.

The evening’s attendees included young family members of some of the girls who were killed in the flooding.

Doug Hanna, who lost his 8-year-old daughter Hadley at Camp Mystic, looked on as Hadley’s little sister, Hunter, spent the evening playing with three of her young cousins.

“These kids are service-oriented,” he said of the high schoolers. “I think it’s wonderful.”

Iranian Students Raise Awareness, Find Community at SMU

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

While for most Americans the conflict in Iran is more than 7,000 miles away, it’s close to home for members of the SMU Association of Iranian Students.

The U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on Feb. 28 and Iran’s retaliatory attacks have upended travel to and from the region and garnered headlines around the world.

SMU Association of Iranian Students member Iman, who is working toward a doctorate in economics, said he receives calls from family members back in Iran almost daily. He’s unable to call them. He asked that his last name be withheld due to concerns about his family’s safety.

“I think people need to just listen to what Iranians want and say, even though Iran is in a total Internet blackout,” Iman said. “The Iranian diaspora is trying to be their voice because we still have phone calls with them and we still have some sort of connection with them.”

He said the SMU Association of Iranian Students provides community and a nec-

essary support system for its membership, which includes both Iranian Americans who were born in the United States and Iranians who migrated to Dallas to study.

Even before the recent upheaval, the student organization sought to raise awareness of the plight of Iranians. The group held a vigil in early February to honor those who had lost their lives due to the brutality of Iran’s authoritarian regime, the Islamic Republic of Iran.

SMU Association of Iranian Students president Melody Nadery said that, while the current conflict has put a chill on public events for the group, the vigil was important. During that event, the group set up a display, which included photos of people impacted by violence in Iran, on the Dallas Hall lawn to honor the lives lost to the regime.

“It’s been nice to know that there is an organization on campus where we can all unite and gather during this really hard time,” Nadery said. “It’s really difficult to know that your family and friends are over there, you don’t know how they’re doing, you don’t know if they’re alive.”

Nadery said that she had been moved by the reaction the group received to its threeday display on campus and vigil.

“So many people who are not a part of our association, who didn’t seem like they were Persian or didn’t seem like they were Iranian, they came up, and they were asking questions and they were like, ‘my prayers are with you and your family, I’m here if you need anything,’” Nadery said.

Iman, who was also involved in the vigil, said he appreciated the supportive response from passersby.

“It was good to raise awareness. A lot of people stopped to talk to us,” Iman said. “I think it was overall a very positive reaction.”

The SMU Association of Iranian Students hosted a three-day display in early February. COURTESY PHOTOS

FROM LEFT: Reese Ward, Vivian Boethel, George Mitchell, Wynne Mitchell, and Scottie Ward take a break from play to watch the Minions dash onscreen. Blair Hunt descends from the rock wall. SARAH HODGES

People Newspapers’ Alumni Meet and Greet

20 Under 40 honorees made new connections, found old friends, and enjoyed light bites on March 30 at People Newspapers’ inaugural alumni meet and greet.

The event at Communities Foundation of Texas, sponsored by Whitley Penn, featured quesadillas, stuffed churros, taquitos, and other flavors from Texano Cocina, and photos from the Lavish Photo booth.

Along with current and past 20 Under 40 honorees, attendees included representatives from the Rotary Club of Park Cities. The club has been a program partner for years, and its members assist-

ed in this year’s selection process. Though most members of the 2026 class met for the first time at the event, some found unexpected, and familiar, faces. Highland Park ISD STEAM Lead Bridget Myers and entrepreneur Thomas Hand quickly recognized each other — Myers was Hand’s health teacher during her second year as an educator in the district. Hand plans to speak with Myers’ students in the future.

All the honorees will have a chance to reconnect and celebrate with friends and family members on April 30 during People Newspapers’ 20 Under 40 awards ceremony.

Kimberly Calton, Katie Kuehl, Calvert Collins-Bratton, and Maura Sheffler

Vince Manna and Shan Zaidi

Bridget Myers and Thomas Hand

PHOTOS

Here’s Looking at You, Frenchie Reinvigorated menu of bistro in The Plaza at Preston Center is worth savoring

In the very last scene of Casablanca , Rick says, “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

Almost one year ago, Frenchie, the highly anticipated all-day café by the team behind Georgie and Knox Bistro, opened with great fanfare. After an initial honeymoon period, it seemed to have a hard time finding its footing. Online reviews chirped about the restaurant’s noise level and spotty service. Food reviews were mixed due to inconsistency; some guests I spoke to expected Georgie-level food at casual dining prices.

Good news, friends. Frenchie is better than ever thanks to the owners’ thoughtful improvements and investments including the appointment of a new chef, Reilly Brown, who was plucked from the kitchen of Georgie to reinvigorate Frenchie’s menu. Ask and you shall receive.

Chef Brown’s credentials are excellent. He honed his talent at Press Napa Valley, a Michelin-starred restaurant where he spent four years as a beloved and

FROM LEFT: Frenchie Executive Chef Reilly Brown. Frenchie’s new bluefin tuna tartare is a showstopper. BECKLEY/MARY MARGARET PHOTOGRAPHY

well-respected sous chef, before moving to Texas to assist Georgie in its rise to the top.

With all this star power on his resume, I asked why he moved to a neighborhood diner. “What drew me to Frenchie was the opportunity to build something exciting for people to visit every day. Here, I can shape the identity of the food in a more direct way and connect

with guests on a broader level.”

Did you catch that? He wants to cook for and connect with us, his neighbors. Let’s take that as a compliment! Chef’s role at Frenchie is “less about formality and more about energy, consistency, and creativity night after night.” The chef in his early 30s with boyish charm and a rich culinary pedigree is right here in our backyard.

As Rick said: this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Frenchie announced its dinner menu additions some four weeks ago and the buzz has been positive. Dinner now includes a gorgeous bluefin tuna tartare that’s surrounded by a savory, light tomato soy glaze and drizzled with chili oil. Another addition is the yellowtail crudo with grapefruit and citrus. Items that you might

find at Press or Georgie, but at an approachable price. There you go.

If raw fish isn’t your thing, the roasted maitake mushroom tagliatelle and the spring pea risotto are excellent. Brown is also excited to add his roasted scallops in brown butter emulsion and wagyu short ribs to the menu.

The lunch menu still serves the ever-popular Cajun chicken salad. A new caramelized onion and Gruyère dip and a grilled eggplant sandwich on house-made focaccia are popular, too. Chef expects to make some seasonal adjustments on both menus.

Frenchie is no longer “allday,” and has removed breakfast service. Fortunately, weekend brunch is still offered.

The wine list has also evolved a bit since it opened. The mostly French list remains well priced and has something for everyone. Frenchie had to learn how to walk before it could run. With Reilly Brown, I think it will find its footing and speed to success.

Kersten Rettig is a freelance food and travel writer based in the Park Cities. She’s a potato chip fanatic and founder of Knot My First Boateo. Follow her on Instagram @KerstenEats.

KERSTEN RETTIG

Clayton Kershaw on His Legendary Career and the Power of Sports

By Rachel Snyder rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com

How did Dodgers great Clayton Kershaw’s 3,000-plus strikeouts have a worldwide impact? Did the Highland Park grad ever consider playing closer to home?

Clayton and his wife, Ellen, answered those questio ns and spoke about the power of sports to bridge divides in a recent talk at the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

The couple has long blended their passion for baseball with their commitment to giving back.

The family’s nonprofit, Kershaw’s Challenge, dates from the early years of Clayton and Ellen’s marriage. In 2011, the couple traveled to Zambia to meet an orphan named Hope. Ellen had first encountered Hope when the vulnerable child was sick, malnourished, and distant after a life filled with abuse, but the two had nevertheless instantly formed a powerful bond.

Ellen and Clayton committed during their trip to make life better for Hope. And the experience inspired Clayton to use his skills on the field to leave an impact that would be deeper and more meaningful than simply winning.

“For every strikeout, I’m going to make it about something more than just the game of baseball,” Clayton told Ellen on their flight home. “I’m going to start donating for every strikeout that I make, and we’re going to build a home for Hope.”

The nonprofit’s reach has since expanded to serve vulnerable, at-risk children both in the Dominican Republic and closer to home in Dallas and Los An -

geles. Over the years, Kershaw’s Challenge has raised about $25 million to continue its mission around the world.

“It’s just such a good reminder of the power of sports,” Clayton said. “Sports transcends language barriers; it transcends political viewpoints; it transcends everything.”

Clayton became emotional when he spoke about the gift of being able to make memo -

Sizzling Summers — Tropical Hawaiian Ribs

ries with his children during his baseball career. A favorite was when his children signed the 37-foot-tall Green Monster field wall at Fenway Park.

“What Ellen has done for our family is just not normal,” Clayton said. “She made a point of making sure we were all together all the time. I’ll forever be grateful for that.”

Since retiring late last year, Clayton said that he’s been able

Dry Rub

Ingredients:

5-pound rack baby back pork ribs

1 tablespoon onion powder

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 ½ teaspoons smoked sea salt, crushed

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon dry ginger

1 cup pineapple juice, for braising

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Trim excess fat from the meat. Use a paper towel to pull off the thin sheath of cartilage along the back of the rack and discard. In a small bowl, stir together onion powder, garlic powder, smoked sea salt, pepper, and ginger.

Rub the seasoning over both sides of the ribs and place them in a large roasting pan lined with foil. Pour the pineapple juice into the pan and cover it tightly with foil. Braise the ribs 2 to 2 ½ hours until the meat is almost knife tender and begins to shrink from the ends of the bones.

BBQ Sauce

to spend more time with his five children, including by going to baseball games.

Clayton also spoke about the challenge of staying connected to his family in the Dallas area while playing in Los Angeles. He admitted that he’d talked with Rangers president of baseball operations and fellow Highland Park alum Chris Young about “how much easier it would be for family” if he played for the Rangers.

“Ellen always kept telling me, ‘We’ll make it work. We’re going to be together, and it doesn’t matter if it’s difficult or not,’” Clayton said. “I’m forever grateful for that because I could have missed out on some World Series and different opportunities. At the end of the day, I never thought it was a big deal to me, but to be able to spend your whole career in one place and now say I’m forever a Dodger is special.”

Clayton may have left the pitcher’s mound, but he hasn’t said goodbye to the world of baseball. He joined Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic and has signed on as an analyst with NBC.

Most recently, Kershaw accepted a position with the Dodgers as a special assistant, according to news reports.

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce

3 drops Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Fresh pineapple, mango, and kiwi, for garnish

Directions:

While the ribs braise, prepare the barbecue sauce. In a medium saucepan, stir together ketchup, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, Worcestershire, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce comes to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook 30 minutes more, stirring occasionally.

One of my favorites from those years is BBQ’d Hawaiian Ribs with Hot, Sweet, and Sour Sauce. We

Early in my television career, I produced and hosted a cooking show called Just Like Home Filmed in Fort Worth and broadcast on the city’s community TV station, the show was eventually syndicated to other outlets, including in Iowa where Better Homes & Gardens was headquartered. The show was produced on a shoestring budget, but thanks to my Park Cities friends Gail Heinonen and Betty Merwin who helped style the set and washed a boatload of dishes, we filmed four 30-minute shows each month for 12 years. It was there I honed my on-camera skills for entertaining, wine segments, interviewing guests, and speaking to my viewers as if they were friends in my home kitchen while preparing recipes I knew they would love.

filmed the episode in my director’s backyard so viewers could hear the sizzle while fragrant smoke rose from the grill. But cooking the ribs was only the beginning. One reason I vividly recall this recipe, aside from the fact that it’s incredibly tasty, is the garnishes. It’s the visual aspect of a dish that captures our attention before we take the first bite, so the platter was accented in Hawaiian style with pineapple, mango, kiwi, and tropical flowers.

Ideal for Father’s Day and summertime grilling, I’ve updated my original recipe by creating a dry rub featuring two spices commonly

Ingredients:

1 cup ketchup

¼ cup pineapple juice

2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed

found in Hawaiian cuisine — ginger and smoked salt. After both sides are coated with the rub, the ribs are slowly braised in the oven with pineapple juice until almost tender, then are mopped with sauce and transferred to the grill for 30 minutes. Fall-off-thebone tender, savory, sweet, and spicy with a little kick in the back of the throat, this easy Hawaiian-inspired dish could become one of your favor-

Preheat the grill. When it is hot, remove the ribs from the pan and transfer them to the grill, meat side down. Baste with some of the barbecue sauce and cook over low heat about 10 minutes. Turn the ribs over, baste them with additional sauce, and cook 15 to 20 minutes more until they are tender. Transfer them to a cutting board, slice between the ribs, and arrange on a large platter. Garnish the platter with fresh pineapple, mango, kiwi, and edible tropical flowers, if desired.

Yield: 4 servings

ite go-to recipes for summer dining and celebrations. Aloha!

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.

Los Angeles Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw and his wife, Ellen, spoke about the ability of sports to bridge divides and impact people at a March 25 event at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. GRANT MILLER / GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL CENTER

BBQ’d Hawaiian Pork Ribs with Hot, Sweet and Sour Sauce

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 commercial-grade elevator, two laundry rooms and an attached three-car garage. Outside, a double-decker porch is outfitted with retractable screens, a built-in kitchen and fireplace.

To place your ad in People Newspapers, please call us at 214-523-5239, fax to 214-5945779, 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, March 3, 2025. 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.

BRIGGS FREEMAN

17214 Club Hill Drive

17214 Club Hill Drive in Bent Tree, represented by Lisa Besserer and Gavin Smith of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $7,295,000

In Far North Dallas’ esteemed Bent Tree community, 17214 Club Hill Drive is a refined expression of modern luxury — thoughtfully reimagined and expanded in 2020 to nearly 9,000 square feet. Taken down to the studs, this home was rebuilt with all new systems — electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, windows and roof — and enhanced by integrated Control4 technology for seamless whole-home audio, video, lighting and security.

The expansive interiors are defined by floor-toceiling windows and multi-slide doors that frame sweeping views of Bent Tree Country Club’s back nine and White Rock Creek. Other standout features include Level-5-finish walls, concrete-like porcelain floors, floating staircases, statement lighting, stone accent walls and motorized Lutron shades. The open-concept kitchen includes a large center island and Thermador gas range, double ovens, warming drawer and dual dishwashers. In addition to its five bedrooms and six and a half baths, the home boasts a butler’s pantry, wine room, theater with 120-inch screen, game/billiards room and office.

The outdoor living spaces are intentionally layered to emphasize the home’s elevated vantage point, as evidenced by the terraced landscaping and multilevel pool and spa. Retractable screens help create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow throughout each of the home’s alfresco living spaces.

Equestrian Estate on Lake Grapevine

2900 W. Kimball Road in Grapevine, represented by David Burgher and Harlan Ray of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $6,995,000

2900 W. Kimball Road is without equal — a mix of city and country life where contemporary architecture meets the outdoors, with a pristine modernist home, classic horse barn, riding arena and pastureland. The centerpiece of the nearly 10acre property is the impressive main residence, finished in 2023 and sited at the highest point of the gently rolling property. A complete departure from typical farm architecture, the minimalist house was designed by Lou Simmons of NeatBuilt and executed by Bob Sullivan of Sullivan Design & Construction as a striking composition of metal cladding, concrete, ipe wood and sheer glass.

The three-level stunner features more than 4,300 square feet of light and space that includes an open living-kitchen-dining area and a rooftop viewing room for taking in vistas of horses and land, all the way to the lake. The home’s many special features include a spectacular glass-and-steel spiral staircase that connects all three levels, a subterranean cinema with exceptional theater sound and a 250-bottle, glass-front wine case. The outdoor features include a koi pond, 3,000-square-foot ipe deck and 80-foot saltwater pool. Inside and outside the house, there are sweeping views of the pasture, the equestrian facilities and the rolling land.

BRIGGS FREEMAN

Gallery Penthouse at HALL Arts Residences

1747

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.

BRIGGS FREEMAN

Leonard Street #2601 in the Dallas Arts District, represented by Kyle Richards and Cindi Caudle of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; $17,500,000

4 Bed | 5.4 Bath | 6,712 SF + 855 Finished Basement Kyle

& Molly Massey | $5,950,000

DAVE PERRY-MILLER REAL ESTATE

Preston Hollow Perfection: Space, Comfort and Versatility

Discover an exceptional combination of scale and livability at 6007 Stefani Drive (6007stefani. daveperrymiller.com) in the heart of Preston Hollow.

Listed by Rhoni Golden with the top-producing Golden Hays Group for $3,299,000, this thoughtfully designed residence on a .55-acre corner lot spans approximately 6,400 square feet and features 5 bedrooms and 6.1 baths.

Crafted for modern living and entertaining, the home boasts multiple flexible living and dining areas. The first floor is anchored by a spacious primary suite, a dedicated office, and two additional en-suite bedrooms. A versatile bonus room, complete with a full bath, is perfect for a playroom, guest overflow, or direct pool access.

Upstairs, you will find two more en-suite bedrooms, a large open bonus space with a wet bar, and a separate art studio or media room. Throughout the home, light-filled interiors create an airy, peaceful atmosphere.

The outdoor space is equally impressive, featuring a covered patio overlooking a sparkling pool and a generous grassy yard—a rare find for spreading out. The entire indoor/outdoor experience easily delivers on space, comfort and versatility. Complete with a three-car garage.

To schedule a showing, contact Rhoni at 214.552.5555 or rhoni@daveperrymiller.com.

If contemporary architecture and the tranquil lifestyle it fosters is high on your wish list, Allie Beth Allman & Associates has exceptional addresses to show you right now. Don’t miss these three masterpieces and be sure to reach out to an agent to see more.

Perched on a gated, 2.2-acre property along Bachman Creek, 10010 Strait Lane promises peace and privacy in the heart of Old Preston Hollow. As your guests arrive for the first time to see it, their jaws will drop at the glassy and grand exterior. They can park in your air-conditioned, 10-car garage, then step inside to experience the sublime California transitional.

Another contemporary prize with sparkling allure is 5420 Surrey Circle. The four- bedroom home is tucked behind gates and feels like a true sanctuary. Whether you’re reading in front of the living room’s modern fireplace or hosting game days around the dreamy outdoor living areas and pool, lush landscaping is always in view.

Studio Thomas James blended sleek sensibilities and effortless warmth when designing 11219 Leachman Circle. Set amid a canopy of mature trees, the 5,470-square-foot home is perfect for someone who has refined, fashionable taste yet wants a nature-oriented Dallas setting.

stunning residence representing a rich blend of classical elements that create authentic and timeless interiors. From the cast-stone exterior to the custom finishes throughout, careful thought was given to all the bespoke features of this 6, 712sf home including premium grade marbles, stone and granite finishes. An antique Italian door frame serves as an impressive fireplace surround in the living room alongside French doors overlooking the private courtyard. Dramatic high ceilings, gleaming hardwoods and spaciously proportioned entertainment areas feature hand-finished walls, beautiful wall coverings, deep molding and decorative lighting throughout. Reminiscent of a European villa, the classic design includes a stunning entrance hall with marble stairwell, hand-forged iron rails, crystal chandeliers and sconces. The home has a perfect entertainment flow leading to a private outdoor pool with alfresco kitchen. Enjoy the peace of mind of living in this one-of-a-kind, luxury residence minutes from Dallas’ Arts District, The Katy Trail, fine restaurants and shopping

EBBY HALLIDAY

Mediterranean Villa in Preston Hollow

Discover 6725 Northwood Road (6725northwood. ebby.com), an extraordinary and custom-built sanctuary offering a blend of artistry, function, and unparalleled luxury. This spacious 6,750-square-foot residence, currently listed by Jeffrey Maiteh for $4,495,000, features 5 bedrooms and 3.2 baths.

From the moment you step onto the Turkish travertine floors and past the grand stone staircase with wrought iron railing, you are enveloped in opulence. Quality is paramount, evidenced by hand-scraped oak floors, multiple marble fireplaces crowned with elegant molding, and the meticulously stained, exposed firewood beams.

A chef’s dream awaits in the oversized kitchen, complete with a massive granite island and custom maple cabinetry. For the connoisseur, a climate-controlled wine cellar holds 3,000 bottles, and a commercial-grade pub offers the perfect setting for entertaining in the massive media room. The library-sized study is wrapped in rich maple wood paneling. The primary suite is a private retreat, boasting gorgeous views and a spa-like bath. Outside, the resort-style patio features an in-ground spa, built-in grill, an outdoor fireplace, and two majestic custom stone lions.

This home is truly one-of-a-kind and a must-see for the discerning buyer. Contact Jeffrey at 248.525.3803 or jeffreymaiteh@ebby.com to schedule a showing.

Find the Perfect Preston Hollow Home for You

Associates agents

announced new offerings in prestigious Preston Hollow.

It’s no secret that Preston Hollow is one of the most soughtafter, prestigious neighborhoods in Dallas.

With the picturesque area’s popularity comes a competitive market, however, so you want to work with the best when house hunting here. Allie Beth Allman & Associates’ seasoned agents have a proven record and reputation to rely on. Here are a few of their stunning current offerings.

At 9435 Inwood Road, a dazzling one-acre estate offers lush scenery, easy privacy and exceptional design. Though it was built in 2004, the property’s unique, 7,000-square-foot modern has been fully reimagined recently with meticulous finishes and updates. Bright, tranquil and move-in-ready, the home serves up sun-filled spaces.

If midcentury moderns have your heart, don’t miss 11116 Westmere Circle. The circa-1958 sits on a rare lake lot and even boasts a boat house. Imagine hosting dinner parties beside the custom architectural slat wall, chatting with friends in front of the new living room fireplace, or meal-prepping in the revamped kitchen.

The five-bedroom gem at 6023 Del Norte Lane draws you in with its blend of contemporary-chic touches and classic elegance.

Amid the beauty, you can put on lively gatherings in the impressive great room with a bar or on the covered patio with a fire pit.

THE PERRY-MILLER STREIFF GROUP

Updated Country French Estate in Preston Hollow

6139 Woodland is currently being offered for $4,995,000

Set on an expansive half-acre lot, the property offers a serene setting with mature trees, lush gardens, and beautifully curated landscaping. Designed by Robbie Fusch and built by Oscar Ponder, the home seamlessly blends classic architecture with refined, modern updates.

The home’s understated elegance gives way to exquisite designer interiors. Gracious formal living spaces include a large formal room with fireplace, flowing seamlessly into the dining room and opening to an extended loggia with a stunning cloister-vaulted ceiling.

French doors lead to a tranquil garden and fountain, creating an effortless indoor-outdoor connection ideal for entertaining. The inviting family room showcases handsome truss beams and a statement Murano glass chandelier, opening to a gourmet island kitchen with crisp white cabinetry and designer tile backsplash.

The downstairs primary suite has its own sitting area and fireplace overlooking the backyard. A dual-bathroom layout provides exceptional space and storage.

Outdoor living is impressive, with a covered patio and a large fireplace, perfect for both relaxing and dining. The backyard is anchored by a resort-style pool and raised spa, surrounded by lush greenery. This exceptional Preston Hollow residence offers a rare combination of architectural beauty, thoughtful updates, and premier location.

Contact Karen Fry (214.288.1391) for more information or to set up a private showing. Visit DPMFineHomes.com to learn more.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Preston Hollow offers luxury living

according to the neighborhood experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates knows the Preston Hollow area, having sold many of its homes. Ask a member of the team to show you a home that fits your lifestyle. It might be one of these, currently on the market.

The three-bedroom, ranch-style home at 6008 Del Norte Lane sits on an almost half-acre lot with a large, gated driveway, just a short walk to Preston Center. This refreshed home is movein ready with a first-floor primary suite and a greenhouse. Or the lot could be the site of a new, spectacular build.

With more than 6,000 square feet of living space, 4407 San Gabriel Drive was designed by SHM Architects and constructed last year by Faulkner Perrin in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods. There is a gym on the first level, near an office and the primary suite, which has a sitting area, dual walk-in closets and a spa-style bath.

In prestigious Melshire Estates is a threebedroom home with more than 6,800 square feet of living space. Talk to Sergio and Sheila Manriquez about the home at 11947 Quincy Lane, which has a dining room with an impressive wine display. The family room has tall ceilings and connects the outdoor living space with a patio and pool.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Beautiful Highland Park Homes to Discover

Highland Park style awaits in this home offered by Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

You might fall in love with Highland Park homes every time you drive through the sought-after Dallas neighborhood. That’s why you must stay alert and work with top real estate experts to know when special Highland Park addresses list.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates is an established leader in this desirable area. Reach out to work with one of their experts this spring and to tour exceptional offerings like these.

This traditional residence in the heart of Highland Park exudes classic architecture with elegant sophistication. Thoughtfully remodeled by Nickey Oates in 2020, 4438 Arcady Ave. offers gracious living areas with functionality for any family.

A 5,267-square-foot modern showpiece is steeped in architectural prestige at 4428 N. Versailles Ave. As well as being perfect for displaying prized art, the spaces beckon for effortless wellness. The spa-inspired primary suite feels like stepping into a five-star hotel and will soon be the envy of all your friends.

Steps from Highland Park Village and Bradfield Elementary, there’s 4201 Potomac Ave. Avid entertainers will swoon over the possibilities for exuberant hosting. The dramatic upstairs living room is ideal for cocktail parties while the game room and backyard pool are ready for lively, casual fun.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Preparing to Sell: Tips for Perfectly Priming a Home

Some sellers hesitate to invest in high-quality staging prior to listing, but the numbers don’t lie. The National Association of Realtors reports that every $100 invested in staging yields $400 in potential returns.

And that’s not the only smart step to consider before bringing your home to market. Here are the top recommendations for preparing your property from the experts of leading luxury brokerage Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

Agents encourage you to evaluate your curb appeal. Some simple effort can make a substantial impact. This could be fresh paint for the front door, replacing old fencing or planting new shrubs along your walkway.

Bringing this philosophy inside, be sure to make any repairs your advisor. Updating kitchens and bathrooms can sell homes, as can replacing damaged materials or technologies.

Staging is the next step. The average buyer takes 90 seconds to decide if they like a residence, so the interior atmosphere is critical.

Lastly, Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents know the value of strong photography. Most buyers will decide if they want to see your home purely based on imagery they see online, which is why brokerage agents use top-rated photographers known for beautifully capturing luxury properties and all their best qualities.

Located in the prestigious gated and guarded Place Des Vosges community on Turtle Creek Boulevard is this

3901 Turtle Creek Blvd #15

Place des Vosges

Crews

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Gorgeous Dallas Homes With Contemporary Style

Make a grand entrance at this contemporary estate in Old Preston Hollow, offered by Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates agents recommend staging a home to attract potential buyers with a perfect first impression.

Preston Hollow offers home styles from traditional to modern,

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Allie Beth Allman &

have

PeopleNewspapers

Presenting Sponsor:

PROUD TO PRESENT

OUR 20 UNDER 40

It’s easy to find driven and talent-

ed young professionals who are making a difference in the Preston Hollow and Park Cities communities. It’s much more difficult to choose just 20 of them to recognize in a special issue of People Newspapers.

We received a record number of nominations for this year’s 20 Under 40 awards. Our selection process began in January with an initial review of the nominees by our editorial staff. The nominations were then sent to a selection panel whose members carefully evaluated every candidate and shared their thoughts during a virtual meeting. Our editorial team came together again to discuss the final selections.

The process was made more challenging by the nominees’ diverse professions. How do you compare the achievements of a dance instructor to those of a banker, or the accomplishments of a member of the faith community to those of an entrepreneur?

Our judges were not directed to use specific criteria. They didn’t check boxes or complete an evaluation form. But certain themes resonated throughout our discussions: exemplary leadership, a commitment to community service, and a desire to create lasting change. It wasn’t enough to have done a job well, no matter how important that job might have been.

We’re proud of the members of this year’s 20 Under 40 class. They haven’t just renewed our hope for the future. They’ve also reminded us that we live in a place where neighbors measure success not only by the money they’ve made, but also by the lives they’ve touched.

We are grateful for the assistance of our selection committee members, rotarians Elisa Garcia and Mark Kashar, and 20 Under 40 alumnae Danielle Reynolds and Nicole Paquette.

We invite you to meet our awardees, as well as our two student Youths on the Rise. If you know someone who should be on our list, please complete our 2027 nomination form, which is already available at peoplenewspapers.com.

FOLLOW MORE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

For the full Q&A’s of the honorees and more 20 Under 40 content, go to peoplenewspapers.com and follow our Instagram page @PeopleNewspapers.

Help share content - and even your own rising stars - by using #peoplenewspapers20under40

This charitable investment fund has 137 members in 22 states and three other countries. Its financial lectures and workshops have reached an audience of more than 3,000, and its investment returns have supported more than 10 nonprofit organizations.

But the founder and president of the Hoperation Fund doesn’t have an MBA. She’s Olivia Zhang, an eighth grader at The Hockaday School. With support from her parents and teachers, Zhang started the fund as a local investment club almost three years ago.

“I am especially proud not only of how much the organization has grown, but also of the impact it has been able to make through education, service, and charitable giving,” Zhang said. “Seeing an idea that began on a small scale grow into a community that empowers others and gives back in meaningful ways has been incredibly rewarding.”

The Hoperation Fund has used its proceeds to support overlooked charities and communities. It recently funded the construction of a concrete wall at an impoverished school in the Philippines. The new wall, which helps protect students and school property, replaced a wooden predecessor that washed away in a flood.

Zhang has also volunteered her time at food pantries, has helped pack backpacks for underserved Dallas families, and is active in her school community as a writing center tutor.

Zhang said that her service was motivated by her parents, who taught her from an early age to not focus solely on her personal success, but also to find ways to help others in need.

What do you hope you’ll be doing 10 years from now?

Ten years from now, I hope to be an entrepreneur, building innovative solutions to solve real-world problems. I want to launch something that both improves peoples’ lives and opens up doors for others by creating job opportunities for thousands of people. Beyond that, I also want to continue growing the Hoperation Fund so it can support more communities and inspire more young people to develop financial literacy, leadership, and a spirit of service. Overall, I hope to be in a position where I can combine innovation, leadership, and compassion to make a positive and lasting impact.

What is the best advice you’ve received?

The best advice I’ve received is: Be stubborn about the goal, but flexible about the method. Persistence and grit are key to achieving anything. Often, however, when running the Hoperation Fund or working on a project in school, I’ve realized that my initial plan for tackling a challenge just wasn’t going to work out, so it’s important to keep an ear out for feedback while still remaining determined.

What do you love most about your community?

Olivia-Sophie Keijsers Koning described her eighth-grade move from New York City to Dallas as a “huge culture shock.” Subways were replaced with busy highways. Corner pizza shops became taco joints. Instead of casual streetwear, there were cowboy boots and Homecoming dresses.

“I realized I had a choice, to be an observer of this new world from the outside, or to immerse myself completely,” she remembered. “I chose the latter, and I strive to continue so.”

Keijsers Koning hasn’t simply become part of this community — she’s a leader within it.

At Highland Park High School, she’s a MAPS Moody Scholar Committee Board Member, Sports Analytics class representative, LitFest Student Committee co-president, and editor-in-chief and head photographer for the school newspaper, The Bagpipe

In the community, she’s a Keijsers Koning Art intern, DONE The Magazine Design and Production intern, and The Good Life -Park Cities student op-ed writer. She received the Service to the Community Award at Highland Park High School’s Annual Academic Recognition Ceremony in 2025 after earning more than 300 service hours.

thoughts and opinions on feminism and the modern world.

“The social issue I’m most passionate about is women’s rights,” she said. “Since I was old enough to walk, I have been participating in protests, actively advocating. Since then, I have grown my interests, created passion projects and published articles to ensure my voice and others are heard.”

Keijsers Koning, who is Dutch American, plans to study global communication science and political science at the University of Amsterdam.

“I dream to leave the world a better place,” she said, “and I have only just begun.”

What is the best advice you’ve received?

To just begin. Start the big idea, forgo the what ifs and uncertainty, and embrace the mistakes made along the way. Failure, although it’s painful to experience, is part of reaching success.

What do you love most about your community?

I love that when I have an idea, no matter how strange, my community provides the resources and support to begin. When I face opposition or struggle, I have a reliable support system within the school and people within the community.

“They instilled in me the belief that giving back is an important part of living a meaningful life,” she explained, “and their example inspired me to become involved in my community.”

I love how my community, both at school and in my neighborhood, is so inclusive. I appreciate being in an environment where everyone supports and uplifts one another, and everyone is encouraged to feel valued and included. Being part of this kind of community has shown me how important it is to respect others, learn from different perspectives, and contribute in a positive way.

—Compiled by Sarah Hodges

She volunteers each Saturday at the University Park Public Library, and has donated her time to HP CultureFest, My Martial Arts, and Camp Waziyatah.

But Keijsers Koning is proudest of her podcast, The Lazy Feminists . She created her first episode during her junior year, and has already published four episodes and four trailers, as well as built a social media presence on Instagram through posts and reels. The podcast, Keijsers Koning said, has become a space for students to express their

If there was ONE thing that you could change or improve in the community, what would it be? How would you change it?

One thing to change or improve in the community is creating a more welcoming space for all individuals, specifically for high school students. I would open a coffee shop or cafe that is open 24 hours, so all high school students can interact, creating a new hub spot.

—Compiled by Sarah Hodges

SARAH HODGES

JULY ANGEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Olivia-Sophie Keijsers Koning Highland Park High School Grade 12

Olivia Zhang The Hockaday School Grade 8

EMMA SALDIVAR

Eiseman Jewels, Dallas’ premier family-owned jeweler for more than 63 years, congratulates our president Taylor Frank for being recognized as People Newspapers’ 20 Under 40 Difference-Making Adults. Taylor’s outstanding leadership and continued dedication to excellence ensure that Eiseman Jewels continues to set the standard for craftsmanship, service, and innovation in fine jewelry and timepieces.

Founded in 1963, Eiseman Jewels has long been regarded as the Southwest’s premier jeweler, known for exceptional service and a thoughtfully curated collection of fine jewelry, bridal designs, estate pieces, and timepieces from many of the world’s most celebrated designers and watchmakers. As the original family-owned tenant of NorthPark Center, Eiseman continues its legacy of craftsmanship and expertise while offering GIA-certified diamonds, distinguished designer collections, and Rolex Certified Pre-Owned timepieces.

RIGHT: TAYLOR FRANK, PRESIDENT, EISEMAN JEWELS

Taylor Clark was motivated to contribute to his community by observing the people who live in it.

His neighbors, Clark said, have a sense of gratitude for their ability to live in the Park Cities, where residents view their schools and community as a shared project.

“I wanted to learn from them,” he explained, “and contribute to that mission.”

Clark has done exactly that. As market leader for Texas – Commercial Real Estate at UMB Bank, he has helped finance major local projects that have shaped the area, including Legacy West, Village Main Street, and the renovation of Turtle Creek Village.

His volunteer work has included serving as a tutor at West Dallas Community School, on the Community Fund for The Real Estate Council, and with various programs at his church. He can also be found behind the lunch counter in the Armstrong Elementary cafeteria or on the field coaching YMCA sports.

Clark is co-founder of the Park Cities Dads Club Pickleball Tournament. Although its games are played on scaled-down

Katherine Sundby

courts, the event has had an oversized impact on Highland Park ISD’s schools. The tournament brings together about 100 participants each year. In 2026, it raised $15,000 to support district teachers.

“My daily radius is pretty tight. My office is in Preston Center, our kids attend Armstrong Elementary, and we are active at Park Cities Presbyterian Church,” Clark said. “I’ve found that this community has a unique ‘culture of action,’ where if you see a need, there is usually a group of neighbors already working to fix it.”

Are you where you thought you’d be when you graduated from high school?

I didn’t have a rigid map. I just tried to work hard and find a place where I would be challenged by smart people and good leaders. By keeping my options open and trying to emulate the integrity of those I respected, I ended up in a career that suits my interest in the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of business.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

Most of my early jobs involved working for our family friend’s landscaping company during school breaks. It was exhausting, hands-on work that taught me a deep respect for anyone who shows up and gives their best effort at a physical job every day. It also motivated me to stay focused on my education.

What is your favorite part of your current job or community involvement?

I enjoy seeing something go from a concept to a finished product. In my job, that’s a new development that changes the city skyline; in the community, it’s seeing a charity event like the Pickleball Tournament scale from an idea into a district-wide tradition.

Is there anything else you think we should know about you?

I’m a constant student. I try to maintain a diverse group of friends from different walks of life because I’ve found that you learn the most from people who see the world differently than you do.

—Compiled by Sarah Hodges

Katherine Sundby uses her energies to enrich the lives of others in meaningful and impactful ways. As a licensed associate with Compass, she helps families navigate the deeply personal journey of purchasing their homes.

“Clients trust you to guide them through one of the biggest decisions of their lives and to help them find the place where they will celebrate holidays, raise families, and experience life’s everyday moments,” Sundby said. “Being part of that process is something I never take for granted.”

Serving her community has been important to Sundby since childhood. Their mother encouraged Sundby and her sister to volunteer and learn about organizations that assist people from different walks of life, impressing upon them that everyone deserves dignity, compassion, and a voice. Sundby’s mother also started a nonprofit in memory of Sundby’s sister.

“Watching her dedicate her time and energy to helping others left a lasting impression on me,” Sundby said, “and continues to inspire the way I approach community involvement today.”

Prior to her career at Compass, Sund-

Hannah Johnson

Through her work at the George W. Bush Institute, Hannah Johnson is spreading the values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion around the world.

As the Institute’s deputy director, global policy, Johnson supports programs such as the President’s Emergency Action Plan for AIDS Relief, which has saved more than 26 million lives since its founding in 2003.

“Today, those babies are young adults like me and my 20 Under 40 peers,” Johnson said. “They are living healthy lives, contributing to their communities, and growing to be the leaders of tomorrow.”

Johnson also coordinates the Institute’s involvement in a partnership that aims to end cervical cancer and AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“I have had the privilege of meeting women who have benefited from the program,” she said. “Each one shares their gratitude for the generosity of the American people and America’s part in saving lives.”

Johnson comes from a family of dedicated public servants. Her great-grandfather, a

by worked in development at The First Tee of Greater Dallas, a nonprofit that builds character and empowers children and teens through the game of golf.

She later joined Elizabeth Toon Charities as executive director, where she helped lead a signature fundraising event and oversaw a community-wide grant program.

Sundby remains involved with Elizabeth Toon Charities. She is also a supporter of friends who have transformed their personal hardships into purpose, including Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, the founder of No More Victims, and Caitlin and Blake Bonner, who established Lila’s Light to honor the young daughter they lost at Camp Mystic and protect other vulnerable children and animals.

“Watching families transform unimaginable loss into purpose and service is both humbling and deeply motivating,” Sundby said, “and I feel privileged to help advance their work.”

Was there a “lightbulb moment” that led you to your career? If so, what was it?

A few years into my time at Compass, I received a handwritten note from a client thanking me for helping their family find

teacher from Kentucky who turned to coal mining during the Great Depression, advocated for miners and their families in Washington, D.C. Her grandmother taught children in low-income mountain communities, and her mother is a longtime public health nurse.

In middle and high school, Johnson volunteered with her local health department advocating for healthy practices. During college, she assisted refugees who had recently arrived in the United States after years of uncertainty.

While interning for Kentucky Refugee Ministries in 2016, Johnson helped mothers, children, doctors, and lawyers who’d come to the U.S. to escape unthinkable circumstances navigate the resettlement process.

“Every person I met shared their gratitude not just for the work that the agency was doing, but for the community that surrounded them when they needed it most,” she said. “It was, and still is, one of the proudest moments and skyrocketed me to pursue the work that I have the privilege of doing today.”

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?

Dallas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Its opportunity and impact have also been elevated to the world stage. This summer, Dallas will be one of several locations for the FIFA World Cup, bringing together athletes, dignitaries, and fans for a common celebration.

The World Cup also offers an opportunity to showcase the compassion of the American people and to show that, regardless of country, religion, creed, or team, the global community has more in common than we think. I’m excited to see Dallas’ leadership rise to the world stage in our community and for the relationships that will be strengthened in turn.

If someone made a movie about your life, what would it be called and who would play you?

One of my favorite books is Hill Women by Cassie Chambers. It’s a memoir, but she does an incredible job of telling the values of people in Eastern Kentucky — family, determination, compassion, and grit. It also has a great title that I would selfishly steal. I would like to think that Anne Hathaway would play me.

—Compiled by Rachel Snyder

their home. They wrote about how meaningful the experience had been and how excited they were to begin the next chapter of their lives there. That was a moment when it really clicked for me — this job is about far more than real estate. It’s about helping people build the backdrop for their lives and it is such a blessing to play a small role in that.

Which leadership skills have been the most challenging for you to develop and why?

Delegation and boundary setting have probably been the most challenging for me. I tend to be very hands-on and want to be involved in every aspect of my transactions. As I am sure is true for many other agents, it can also be difficult to fully “turn off” from work. I’m continually working on creating healthier boundaries so I can be present for my clients, my team, and my family. My husband would likely say that’s a work in progress.

What is your favorite local restaurant or shop? I love CABANA, CANARY, and Ellis Hill — three of my absolute favorites.

—Compiled by Sarah Hodges

George W. Bush Institute

George Washington University, Northwestern University

The journey to motherhood is as unique as you are. We’re committed to keeping you and your family informed and supported so you can embrace what’s next. This is your moment, and we’re here every step of the way.

Lauren Bellemare

L’Heritage Fine Jewelry

University of Southern California, Southern Methodist University, Gemological Institute of America

After 15 years in corporate America, Lauren Bellemare turned a love for antique jewelry into a thriving Dallasbased brand.

Blending classic European craftsmanship with modern design, L’Heritage Fine Jewelry focuses on heirloom-inspired pieces intended to be passed through generations.

“I love creating something that my daughter could one day take over,” she said.

Bellemare’s path to founding L’Heritage Fine Jewelry is rooted in her educational and professional training. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California, an MBA and a master’s in art administration from SMU, and a graduate gemologist certification from the Gemological Institute of America.

Bellemare has supported nonprofit organizations by donating pieces from her jewelry line and by serving for 15 years on the Cattle

Baron’s Ball committee.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see something I’ve created help raise funds for causes that strengthen our community,” she said.

An alumna of Camp Mystic, Bellemare created a necklace to honor the camp that helped shape her life and assist victims of Kerr County’s catastrophic flooding.

“I want people to wear it close to their heart,” Bellemare said of the necklace. “And let it be a reminder that healing, like the sunrise, always comes.”

While hard work and dedication have been instrumental in growing her brand, Bellemare credits parenthood as the catalyst for changing her life path.

“Early in my career I imagined climbing the corporate ladder,” she said, “but becoming a mom shifted my perspective.”

Was there a “lightbulb moment” that led you to your career? If so, what was it?

I’ve always loved antique jewelry and European decorative arts like Essex crystals and enamel guilloché. While traveling, I started seeking out artisans who still practice these traditional techniques. That experience sparked the idea for L’Heritage — a way to combine craftsmanship, storytelling, and beautiful pieces designed to last for generations.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?

One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that Dallas continues to grow while maintaining strong community connections. I’d love to see more collaboration between local businesses, nonprofits, and civic leaders to strengthen the city’s cultural and philanthropic impact.

—Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb

Mary Sutherland

Highland Park ISD, All Things Mahj Texas Christian University, Texas Woman’s University

Mary Sutherland is passionate about giving others a place to belong, whether that means curating a school library where students can embrace reading or bringing neighbors together at a mahjong table where they can form friendships.

The University Park Elementary librarian and co-founder of the mahjong-centric small business All Things Mahj has created community through both endeavors.

“Seeing connection happen in real time is incredibly rewarding,” she said.

Sutherland has also enjoyed giving back through All Things Mahj, which she co-founded in 2024 as a weekly mahjong gathering. Today, the business hosts leagues, tournaments, private lessons, and children’s programs.

Sutherland has served as an emcee for the Mahjong for a Mission event supporting the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center and helped organize the Hugs from Hadley Galentine’s Mahjong event, a fundraiser in memory of

8-year-old Hadley Hanna, a University Park Elementary student who tragically died in the devastating July floods in Central Texas.

“I was blessed to grow up in a family where reading and community involvement were priorities. My mom read to us nightly, and my parents were actively engaged in our church, school, and other philanthropic organizations,” Sutherland said. “Watching that model made a lasting impact, and it’s something I’ve tried to carry forward in my own life.”

Sutherland began serving Park Cities families as a second-and third-grade teacher at Hyer Elementary before moving to University Park Elementary as the librarian.

“I teach multiple weekly library lessons, collaborate with teachers on lessons and projects, and support schoolwide literacy initiatives like One School, One Book and Read UP,” Sutherland said.

What do you have in mind for after 40?

I hope to continue expanding my impact and mentoring others, especially women stepping into education or entrepreneurship. I want to build spaces rooted in faith, encouragement, and connection, at home, in business, and in my community, and to lead in a way that reflects my values.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?

I think many people, both children and adults, are craving connection. In a busy, high-achieving city like Dallas, it’s easy to feel isolated. If I had the resources, I would continue investing in literacy programs and community spaces that intentionally bring people together. When people feel connected, everything else improves.

—Compiled

by

Rachel Snyder

The Rev. Jordan Griesbeck leads the ministries that help our community grow in faith and belonging from children, youth, on into adulthood.

Kelly Ongena

Kelly Ongena has spent the past nine years helping shape Dallas neighborhoods through her work with Hawkins-Welwood Homes, a familyoriented custom home builder. She has combined her knowledge of real estate with a passion for building relationships, guiding clients to create spaces where life’s most important moments unfold.

Her dedication to the community mirrors her professional commitment. After seeing the impact of parental investment in education, Ongena became involved in volunteer initiatives at Armstrong Elementary School. As a co-chair of the 2025 Armstrong Bradfield Preschool Association Homes for the Holidays Home Tour, she helped raise valuable funds for programs benefitting young learners.

“Hawkins-Welwood builds many homes in the area, so I’m constantly connected to the community through our projects and the families we serve — it’s where we live, work, and raise our kids,” she said.

Ongena credits her parents for instilling in her the value of community involvement. Her path to Dallas was shaped by her undergraduate work at Baylor University, where she double majored in real estate and professional sales and discovered

an early interest in entrepreneurship.

Ongena balances her professional achievements and family life, which includes her husband and two children, with meaningful civic engagement.

“I’m so grateful for this incredible community,” she said. “The Park Cities has given my family roots, friendships, and opportunities to serve.”

What is your favorite part of your current job or community involvement?

My favorite part of my job is the relationships — working with such a talented, family-like team at Hawkins-Welwood and seeing homeowners light up when they step into their finished home. In community involvement, it’s the same: the joy of collaborating with other parents and volunteers on events, knowing we’re directly improving our schools and enriching the Park Cities for our kids and future generations.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?

One major challenge is ensuring access to high-quality education and community resources as the area grows so quickly. With the right resources, I’d expand programs that boost parent and community involvement in schools — like scalable versions of what ABPA does — plus partnerships for affordable housing options that keep families rooted here, so Dallas continues to grow and stay strong for the next generation.

What do you have in mind for after 40?

I want to keep building in meaningful ways — perhaps stepping into even greater leadership roles in philanthropy and community organizations, mentoring, and finding new ways to expand our family’s impact through Hawkins-Welwood and exciting new ventures ahead. Professionally and personally, I’m excited to keep growing while watching my kids move through each new chapter of life. We have such a wonderful circle of friends and family here in Dallas, and I look forward to many more backyard family dinners, lake trips, vacations, bike rides, and all the little moments that make life so full. Every decade so far, I’ve thought, “This is the best one yet,” and I’m genuinely looking forward to saying the same about my 40s — while still treasuring every bit of my 30s right now.

—Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb

Sahil Sawnani

Central Dentist

McMaster University, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry

Dentist Sahil Sawnani isn’t just fixing smiles. He’s bringing joy to patients through a practice based on the principle of Radical Generosity and his dedication to uncovering the root cause of discomfort.

“Almost every day, we have a patient who finds extreme relief and gratitude for something we were able to address that has been (ailing) them for years,” Sawnani said. “That impact makes me very grateful for what I do.”

A personal health issue he faced inspired Sawnani to look at his own work in a different light, leading to his more holistic-focused work today.

Central Dentist, where Sawnani is a surgical focused biological dentist, is dedicated to assisting those who may not be able to afford quality care. In the past year, it has hosted a Giving Day, when any dental needs were resolved without a fee. The practice dealt with wisdom teeth, crowns, airway support, fillings, and deep cleanings for more than 40 patients, donating a total of more than $25,000 in dental care.

Sawnani credits his boss and mentor, Dr. Jill Ombrello, for motivating him to become involved in the community.

While he long aimed to become a dentist, he never imagined he would dedicate himself to surgical/holistic dentistry. Sawnani focused his career on the surgical side of the field immediately after graduating with a doctorate in dentistry in 2021.

“I have completed over 400 hours of continuing education since that time, covering all aspects of dental surgery, sinus lifts, implantology in both ceramic and titanium, gum grafting, minimal prep veneers, ozone use, Invisalign, full mouth rehabilitation with implants, 3D printing, digital workflows PRF, and PRP use,” Sawnani said. “My passion is dentistry and being able to offer patients the best treatment modalities with a conservative, non-invasive, and personalized approach.”

Was there a “lightbulb moment” that led you to your career? If so, what was it?

I had a personal health issue, where there was no cure or solution being provided from traditional healthcare, and I wasn’t satisfied with that. After looking at alternative care, and I personally moved (past) this health issue, feeling honestly better than before it opened my eyes. And slowly, I started looking at everything I do clinically in a different light.

What’s on your bucket list?

I would like to eventually complete an Ironman. This is my first year getting into running / obstacle races. I think an Ironman or a multi-day adventure race is an extreme challenge that I would enjoy working toward! I also would love to spend some time doing some South American hikes, and a circuit around Iceland on the Golden Circle.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

My first job was more of a corporate-style practice. I obtained a lot of resilience in terms of managing a high workload with high hours, while maintaining standard of care. I would have days with my commute where I left home at 7 a.m. and got home at 9 or 10 p.m. five to six days a week. What I found was that, in that style of dentistry, you’re giving access to a lot of care, but you are limited by your treatment modalities, and so the treatment conforms to traditional norms, and that can be limiting.

—Compiled by Rachel Snyder

CENTER for BUSINESS IMPACT

Since 2017, Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) has worked with companies of all sizes to grow their impact in North Texas.

The Center for Business Impact is a onestop shop for businesses looking to make the greatest positive impact on our region.

SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Charitable fund management, philanthropic advising and grantmaking

• Corporate giving campaigns

• Employee volunteer and networking opportunities

• Philanthropic board training, internship facilitation, and more

Hawkins-Welwood Homes

Baylor University

Lindsay Davis

SMU Cox School of Business, Junior League of Dallas

Texas Christian University, Southern Methodist University

Lindsay Davis has dedicated her career to higher education and community leadership, guiding students and cultivating leaders in Dallas and beyond.

As Director of Bachelor of Business Administration Admission at SMU’s Cox School of Business, she oversees recruitment for one of the nation’s top undergraduate business programs, helping students envision what is possible and supporting them at pivotal moments in their lives. Her work blends mentorship and personal connection, reflecting a lifelong commitment to fostering growth and confidence.

Davis is equally invested in her community. Through roles on the Genesis Alliance Board, the Community Partners of Dallas Partnership Board, and Friends of Solar Prep School, she has witnessed the impact of mentoring, empowering others, and building sustainable change across Dallas neighborhoods.

Davis serves as the 104th President of the Junior League of Dallas.

“There is something deeply fulfilling about standing beside someone at the beginning of a new chapter and cheering them forward,” said Davis.

A Fort Worth native, Davis discovered

Dallas unexpectedly after graduating from TCU. What began as a temporary role in higher education evolved into a long-term career that has shaped her family, friendships, and professional trajectory. She balances her career with family life in East Dallas, where she and her husband nurture the next generation of Mustangs through school, dance, and community engagement.

What is your favorite part of your current job or community involvement?

I love helping people see potential in themselves that they may not yet recognize. In admissions, that might mean encouraging a student to take a chance on a school that feels aspirational. In the Junior League, it means watching a woman raise her hand for a leadership role she once thought was out of reach.

Volunteer leadership has been one of the most formative parts of my adult life. It has introduced me to women I admire deeply and given me a front-row seat to the needs and strengths of our city.

Are you where you thought you’d be when you graduated from high school?

Absolutely not.

As a fourth-generation Fort Worth native (and one of more than 20 family members to attend Texas Christian University), I never imagined I would become a Dallasite, much less work at SMU.

I graduated from TCU during the aftermath of the 2008 recession and “temporarily” took a job in admissions while the corporate world recalibrated. That temporary role became a calling. It’s where I met my husband, built lifelong friendships, and ultimately found a professional home.

What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?

Being selected as the 104th President of the Junior League of Dallas is something I will always hold dear.

The Junior League of Dallas has shaped women leaders and invested in our community for over a century. Our membership spans generations, from women just beginning their careers to Sustainers who have witnessed decades of impact and change in this city.

To be entrusted with stewarding that legacy, even for a single year, is both humbling and inspiring. It represents the confidence of women I admire deeply and the opportunity to guide an organization that has meant so much to me.

—Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb

Jordan Griesbeck

Church of the Incarnation University of Mississippi, Covenant Theological Seminary

Jordan Griesbeck is particularly passionate about serving people with disabilities in his role as a priest in the Episcopal Church.

“My wife and I are always seeking to befriend and encourage families in the Park Cities affected by disability — to help them see that their disabled children are a gift and not a burden,” he said. “This can be harder to see and feel in affluent communities, when families affected by disability feel ‘out of place’ or ‘passed-by.’”

Griesbeck is Assistant Rector for Formation at the historic Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, the country’s second-largest Episcopal Church. He joined Incarnation after stints with large parishes in Austin and Dallas, as well as college ministry with the Reformed University Fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Virginia.

He said he views giving back as part of his job.

“I see involvement in the community as an extension of my work in the Church. If I didn’t care about my community, I couldn’t rightly be called a ‘priest.’ Churches should always be asking themselves: if my church disappeared tomor -

for Business

row, would anyone in my neighborhood notice or care?” Griesbeck said.

Griesbeck partners alongside With Ministries, a nonprofit that helps churches fully include people with disabilities in all aspects of ministry. He also recently completed Baylor University’s program Bridges to Belonging, which has a goal of creating churches where people with disabilities belong.

“Belonging is different from inclusion,” Griesbeck explained. “You know you belong somewhere when your presence is ‘missed.’” Griesbeck and his wife have four children, and he is becoming involved with the Boone Elementary School Dads Club.

“My wife grew up in the Park Cities. When we were dating, she often told me what a special community it was and is, so it is a gift to live in the neighborhood and seek to be a meaningful presence here,” Griesbeck said.

What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?

I’ll give one professional and one personal … Personal: recently celebrating 10 years of marriage. In 10 years, my wife and I have lived in three cities (and five houses); we’ve had four kids; and navigated our oldest son’s diagnoses of autism and epilepsy. Our marriage is stronger as a result.

Professional: preaching (at least some) sermons that mattered … sermons I wouldn’t throw away. We live in a community where people are busy, worn-out, and often carrying deep (and hidden) burdens. People do not come to church to hear advice, but news. Advice is “what you need to do.” News is “what has already happened.” Another word for this is “grace.” A sermon is a promise from God — to be with us and for us, to forgive us, to make us new — and I think more often than not on Sundays, I’ve given people a promise.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?

Access to good public schools. I see or hear of families who grew up in a certain neighborhood (e.g. the Park Cities) and would love for their children to also … but they’re priced out. I wish every student had access to public schools with the resources of Highland Park ISD. Then, specifically, as a parent of a child with special needs, I wish every family in Dallas had access to public schools with the special ed resources of HPISD.

—Compiled by Rachel

Snyder

Center

Impact team: Michelle Mai, Nick Marino, Jr., Kymberlaine Banks, and Elizabeth Corley

Jessica Emanuel

Seed Light Ventures

UCLA, Kellogg School of Management –Northwestern University

As the daughter of Jewish immigrants who fled the Iranian Revolution, Jessica Emanuel was raised with a deep sense of tikkun olam — the Jewish belief that bringing more light into the world happens one positive act of kindness at a time.

“Giving back to our community was never optional; it was just part of who we were,” she said. “It’s a value I’m now working hard to instill in my own children.”

Today, Emanuel serves on the Board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, where she contributes to the board governance and community relations committees. She is also a member of the Association for Corporate Growth Dallas/Fort Worth programs committee, the Kellogg Women@ EMBA board, and Not Just Brunch, a women-led community platform dedicated to helping women thrive.

She is a new member of the University Park Preschool Association and a supporter of the work of Rabbi Baruch and Mooka Hecht at Chabad of the Park Cities.

“The way they bring our community

together is both impactful and genuinely fun,” Emanuel said, “and I love supporting them however I can.”

During a career in professional services that spans almost two decades, Emanuel has dedicated herself to helping organizations expand, evolve, and build the infrastructure they need to sustain long-term success.

She founded Seed Light Ventures in 2025 after 10 years as chief marketing and corporate development officer at BPM, a top-35 national accounting and advisory firm.

Today, Emanuel partners with family offices, private equity-backed companies, and growth-stage founders to create the go-tomarket strategy, operations, and infrastructure they need to thrive at scale.

“Sometimes it’s hard to see the light when you’re in the tunnel. After more than a decade with the same company, I had built something I was incredibly proud of — but it took stepping away to realize how much more I wanted to build,” she said. “Leaving was the lightbulb moment. It gave me the perspective to see what I hadn’t been able to see from the inside, and the clarity to go after it.”

What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?

Being a mom. It’s the most rewarding and the most humbling thing I’ve ever done — being responsible for two little humans who are incredible (while sometimes exhausting) in every way. The other day my daughter stopped me mid-conversation and said, “stay positive, Mommy!” That reminded me I must be doing something right!

Which leadership skills have been the most challenging for you to develop and why?

There’s a difference between doing the right thing and being liked — they don’t always go hand in hand. I’ve learned that as long as you’re doing the right thing, you don’t always need to be liked. I’m still working on this one.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

My first job was waitressing at a retirement center for seniors. It taught me that one person’s job can be someone else’s entire career — and it gave me a crash course in patience, humor, and empathy that I still draw on every day.

—Compiled by Sarah Hodges

Taylor Frank doesn’t just sell luxury — he curates it.

As president of Eiseman Jewels, he has turned a sharp eye for fine jewelry and timepieces into a meaningful experience where every client interaction reflects his signature blend of expertise, intention, and service-first leadership.

“Every decision I make is guided by a commitment to elevating experiences and maximizing value for both clients and team members,” Frank said.

A graduate of The Episcopal School of Dallas and a Park Cities resident, his connection to the community runs deep. Through Eiseman Jewels, Frank serves his neighbors and clients, supporting the vitality and traditions of the area.

His volunteer work extends to Community Partners of Dallas, Vision for Tomorrow, the NorthPark Merchant Association, and his local church congregation, reflecting a dedication to advocacy, mentorship, and service — especially for children and families in need.

“I have always felt a strong responsibility to stand up for those who need support or a voice to help share their story,” Frank said.

Lauren Mariel

LIVE LOVE POP

Southern Methodist University

Lauren Mariel found comfort in a simple act of love while helping to care for her mother as she battled a rare form of breast cancer — making stovetop popcorn, something they had always enjoyed doing together.

Over time, Mariel realized that popcorn could be more than just a snack.

With the support of her family, Mariel built a 500-square-foot kitchen and began popping popcorn by hand. That small kitchen grew into LIVE LOVE POP, a brand now sold across the country with a mission of Selfless Snacking™ — creating products that both taste good and do good.

Each of Mariel’s flavors of popcorn, which range from sea salt to dill pickle and sweet and salty kettle corn, supports a charitable cause. And Mariel continues to lead the company with the same heart she began it with: family, purpose, and an aim of spreading joy one pop at a time.

“I never imagined I would start a food company, but life has a way of leading us exactly where we’re meant to go,” she said. “What began as a way to cope with

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

My first jobs came early and took many forms, including working as a basketball scorekeeper at the YMCA, running my own neighborhood lawn-care business, and later working my first retail position at Cole Haan in Highland Park Village during my senior year of high school. Each role taught me responsibility, work ethic, and the importance of showing up prepared and dependable.

What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?

I am most proud of my ability, throughout my career, to consistently create results and leave an organization stronger than I found it — both operationally and culturally. Regardless of my title or responsibility, I have focused on building trust, driving performance, and elevating the experience for clients and team members alike.

At Eiseman Jewels, I am proud to have built on that foundation by driving consistent sales growth while assembling one of the strongest teams in the industry. What makes these accomplishments most meaningful to me is, not just the

a difficult time in my family turned into a mission-driven business that has connected me with incredible people and opportunities.”

Over the years, Mariel has partnered with nonprofits supporting breast cancer research, childhood cancer, hunger relief, and other causes close to her heart.

“If there’s anything I hope people take away from my story, it’s that sometimes the most meaningful ideas start in the quietest moments,” Mariel said, “and with enough heart, they can grow into something that touches many lives.”

What (or who) motivated you to get involved in the community?

My parents. My mother taught me resilience and compassion through her journey with cancer. She showed me that even during life’s hardest moments, we can still find ways to lift others up. My father taught me what it looks like to believe in someone wholeheartedly. When LIVE LOVE POP was just an idea, he didn’t hesitate to help build our first kitchen and stand beside me as a partner in the business. Because of them, I’ve always believed that success means very little unless you use it to help others.

What is your favorite part of your current job or community involvement?

The people. Whether it’s customers, retail partners, charities, or my own team, the most rewarding part of my work is the relationships built along the way. I love seeing how something as simple as popcorn can bring people together — at family movie nights, school events, celebrations, and fundraisers. Knowing that our products can create small moments of joy while also supporting meaningful causes is incredibly fulfilling.

What do you have in mind for after 40?

Hopefully continuing to build businesses and initiatives that make a positive impact — while also spending as much time as possible with my family. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success means very little without the people you love beside you.

—Compiled by Sarah Hodges

financial success, but the people, teams, and relationships strengthened along the way. Knowing that my leadership has helped others grow, succeed, and take pride in their work is what I value most.

What’s on your bucket list?

At the top of my bucket list are travel and golf. With five kids, our schedule is wonderfully full and pretty jam - packed, so most of our time right now is spent at practices, games, and events throughout the week. I look forward to the day when my wife and I can travel the world together and spend more time on the golf course — but for now, I’m grateful for this busy and meaningful season of life.

I also hope to finally learn how to play the guitar. Music has always been a passion of mine, and while I’ve attempted it a few times without much success — being able to play my favorite songs one day would truly be a dream.

And, last but not least, I am committed to learning French, a personal goal that reflects my love of travel, culture, and lifelong learning.

—Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb

Taylor Frank Eiseman Jewels

Lindsay Poppenhagen

Bank of America

Tulane University

Lindsay Poppenhagen has built a life rooted in service, community, and meaningful impact. As assistant vice president in commercial real estate at Bank of America, she plays a role in financing buildings where people live, work, and shop.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in architecture and a master’s in real estate development from Tulane University, Poppenhagen has carried her combined passion for design and community-building into her professional and personal life.

Since moving to Dallas, Poppenhagen has invested deeply in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow communities. She is an active parishioner at Christ the King Catholic Church, where a sense of belonging anchors her daily life.

Her volunteer work includes advocating for abused or neglected children in foster care as a member of the Dallas CASA Young Professionals Board. Through Kappa Alpha Theta, she maintains involvement with her alumnae group while supporting CASA initiatives. She is a member of the Junior League of Dallas, where she has contributed to projects at the Dallas Museum of Art, Genesis Women’s

Shelter, and New Friends New Life. Her participation in the Texas Real Estate Council allows her to help shape Dallas’ commercial landscape, including by serving on the Casino Night Young Professionals Gala and Membership Committees.

“My goal is to remain someone who invests in others, embraces new opportunities, and leads with empathy,” Poppenhagen said.

What (or who) motivated you to get involved in the community?

My dad’s motto when I was growing up, “The Other Person Matters More.” He even had bracelets made for my sister and me with the phrase when we were younger. That simple message shaped so much of who I am. My family and our faith have always been a guiding light for me. Community involvement has never felt like an obligation, but rather an extension of who I strive to be.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?

One of the biggest challenges facing Dallas today is something increasingly common across major cities: a weakening sense of community. As the region continues to grow rapidly, people and businesses are moving faster than genuine connections can form, leaving neighborhoods feeling fragmented and residents feeling less rooted. If I had the resources and influence to make a meaningful impact, I would focus on initiatives that rebuild those connections, creating more shared public spaces, supporting local events, and fostering partnerships between businesses, schools, and community organizations. Strengthening the social fabric doesn’t just improve quality of life; it makes the city more resilient, collaborative, and future-ready.

Is there anything else you think we should know about you?

I want to encourage other young professionals to find a cause they are passionate about. When you pour your time and heart into something that matters, I promise you will see the world with a new level of empathy and understanding, make lifelong friends, and gain a sense of purpose that grounds you in the very best way.

—Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb

ZETA Partners CEO Shan Zaidi doesn’t just invest in companies. He’s also pouring his energy into the future of Dallas by volunteering and guiding nascent nonprofits working to tackle the city’s most pressing issues.

Zaidi began dabbling in venture capital and private equity in 2011, when he became one of five founders of the investment firm VF Partners. Today, Zaidi owns logistics, manufacturing, and real estate development businesses, as well as invests in companies, funds, and real estate under the ZETA Partners umbrella.

Zaidi has followed in his family’s entrepreneurial footsteps. But as a teen growing up in Preston Hollow, he never would have contemplated the life he has today.

“I really thought that I was going to avoid entrepreneurship and head towards a more corporate career after seeing how business consumed my parents’ lives,” he said. “However, as I spent time with the start-up, I came to see how fulfilling running a business was and how exciting growing a company can be.”

Zaidi credits his mother for inspiring him to serve his community.

“She made it very clear to me and my younger siblings how fortunate we were,”

Whitney Rowell

Miracle Mama Texas Christian University

The first time Whitney Rowell felt truly supported after the birth of her daughter was when a friend came by with homemade lactation cookies.

When Rowell went online to purchase more, she realized they didn’t exist. Using ingredients she purchased at Central Market, she baked the first Miracle Milkookies in her home kitchen. Today, the recipe she shared with friends has grown into Miracle Mama, a Dallas-based brand that supports women during hormonally intense stages of life through functional snacks and community initiatives.

In what Rowell calls a “full-circle moment,” her products are now sold in Central Market stores, as well as shipped nationwide.

“I certainly never imagined I’d be building a company centered around motherhood,” she said, “but it has turned out to be the most meaningful work I could possibly do.”

Rowell has exhibited a strong business sense since she was a college student. She started her first company out of her dorm room. It went on to be selected as one of Inc. magazine’s coolest college startups.

As part of her work with Miracle Mama, Rowell has launched Miracle Mama on the Move, Dallas’ first organized mom walk. The

Zaidi said. “As kids, she took us to Austin Street to understand just how lucky we were. I developed both a tremendous appreciation for the opportunities I had been given and a lifelong passion for serving and giving back whenever and wherever I can.”

Zaidi, who helps lead the city’s affordable housing initiatives as the mayor’s appointee to the Dallas Housing Finance Corporation, has volunteered with the United Way Social Innovation Accelerator for the past decade. Through the Accelerator program, he works to help social entrepreneurs grow their impact in North Texas. Last year, he mentored Housing Connector, a nonprofit focused on housing access that won the Social Innovator of the Year Award at the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ “The Pitch” event.

He has also volunteered with the Dallas Regional Chamber and The Real Estate Council, and serves on boards for the Hoover Institution and the George W. Bush Institute.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?

Dallas is still such a disconnected city between north, south, east, and west. There is

partnership with the Katy Trail brings together 50 to 75 mothers each month to help combat isolation and build connections.

Miracle Mama also provides 300 NICU mothers with lactation cookies each month as part of a partnership with Medical City Hospital.

Rowell’s service isn’t limited to new mothers. She’s also involved with the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and Echelon. She enjoys mentoring other female entrepreneurs and talking to students about entrepreneurship.

“Whether it’s meeting a new mom navigating the early days of motherhood or connecting with female founders building their own companies, I’m constantly inspired by the resilience and creativity of the women in our community,” she said.

Rowell also partnered with Lauren Mariel of LIVE LOVE POP to coordinate relief efforts after July’s devastating flooding in Kerr County.

“What started as a small effort quickly grew, ultimately filling two 53-foot semitrucks with donations delivered directly to families and first responders,” Rowell said. “It was a powerful reminder that when people come together to support their neighbors, incredible things can happen.”

What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?

Building a business while raising four daughters. Entrepreneurship and motherhood both require resilience and the ability to figure things out as you go. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to do it alongside my husband, who is the steady force behind our family and our biggest supporter. Watching our daughters see what teamwork and perseverance look like every day is what makes me the proudest.

Are you where you thought you’d be when you graduated from high school?

Yes and no. I always knew I would be an entrepreneur and create things — I started my first company at age 8 selling stationery doorto-door in my Preston Hollow neighborhood! But like many entrepreneurs, the path hasn’t been linear. I certainly never imagined I’d be building a company centered around motherhood, but it has turned out to be the most meaningful work I could possibly do.

—Compiled by Rachel Snyder

very little overlap, and as a result, there is a lot of distrust. Certainly, the city has had its historical challenges and missteps, some of which still persist today, but Dallas is, in most cases, a welcoming and wonderful place. If I could find a way to build trust and relationship bridges across the various communities and geographies in the city, I think we would be having more collegial and productive conversations, and at the city leadership level, I think it would make things a lot easier on city staff and improve our performance and governance as a city.

If someone made a movie about your life, what would it be called and who would play you?

I’ve really tried hard to build a balanced life between family, work, civic and charitable endeavors, and hobbies. My first thought for a title was Invested with the subtitle A life of purpose and balance. I do a lot of things but I really try to be committed and purposeful with the things I do. I am a fan of Xolo Maridueña from the Cobra Kai and think he could play a younger version of me, especially since I was big into martial arts in my teens and early 20s.

—Compiled by Rachel Snyder

Shan Zaidi

Erica Wilkins Webb

Highland Park Dance Company

Louisiana State University

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are stars on and off the football field. But when Erica Wilkins Webb was a member of the squad, that’s not what her paycheck said.

When Wilkins sued the team for lost wages in 2017, she alleged that she sometimes earned less than minimum wage while performing as a cheerleader. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ team mascot, Rowdy, wrangled up about $65,000 a year.

Wilkins refused to settle the suit until the Cowboys made improvements that impacted the entire squad and all cheerleaders received a 50% pay increase.

Wilkins called learning to speak up for positive change one of the most challenging leadership skills she’s had to develop. She never imagined that her lifelong passion for dance would enable her either to become a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader or work to improve the lives of future female athletes.

“I felt called by the Lord to stand up and advocate for positive change in the professional cheerleading industry,” she said. “It wasn’t something I initially set out

to do, but I felt a responsibility to speak up in hopes of helping create a better and more equitable future for the women who come after me.”

For Wilkins, the impact of dance extends far beyond the brief performances seen by audiences. The art form is also a vehicle to develop character and teach valuable life lessons.

Today, Wilkins devotes her talents to building the discipline, teamwork skills, and confidence of young dancers as an instructor and director of choreography at Highland Park Dance Company.

“Dance has always been my passion, but the real realization came when I saw how much influence teachers and mentors can have on young people,” she explained. “That’s when I began to see dance not just as performance, but as a way to build confidence and character in others. I’m not just teaching dance; I’ve often found I am also teaching valuable life lessons along the way.”

If someone made a movie about your life, what would it be called and who would play you?

Maybe something like Finding Your Voice

My journey has included some unexpected challenges and moments that required courage, and I’m grateful for how those experiences shaped me. As for who would play me, maybe someone like Jennifer Garner.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?

One challenge is ensuring that young people have access to positive environments and mentorship. With social media, kids are being influenced a lot and it’s not always good role models they are being exposed to on social platforms. If I had the resources, I would invest in programs that give kids opportunities to grow through the arts, athletics, and mentorship.

Is there anything else you think we should know about you?

My faith is an important part of who I am. It’s what has guided me through both the opportunities and adversities in my life. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without the Lord.

—Compiled by Sarah Hodges

Thomas Hand

Bear Marketing & Communications, Quarterback Union Baylor University

At just 24, Thomas Hand has made a name for himself as an entrepreneur who blends sports, marketing, and community engagement into ventures that matter.

A native of University Park, Hand’s life has been shaped by both the Park Cities and Preston Hollow communities. From playing quarterback for Highland Park High School and Trinity Christian Academy to volunteering with local organizations, he has sought ways to combine personal passion with meaningful community impact.

Hand discovered a passion for entrepreneurship as a teen. “I started to realize I loved to build and create things that were my own,” he said.

Hand’s love for football inspired his first entrepreneurial venture, Quarterback Union. The program trains youth athletes and offers coaching that draws on his experiences as a quarterback.

Before pursuing his own business ventures, Hand worked as an account manager at Miller Ad Agency, sharpening his client-facing and marketing skills. With a solid foundation in creating a start-up, he

then launched Roaming Bear Marketing & Communications.

Not one to slow his pace, he launched The Shops at Snider Plaza, a digital platform connecting local businesses and residents to the UP shopping center.

Hand credits his father, a magazine publisher, for inspiring him to see how local businesses can positively impact communities economically and socially, including ones that have been part of his life since childhood.

“I grew up walking to Snider Plaza every weekend with my friends in middle school, would stop by JD’s after school, go to the holiday tree lightings, and so much more,” he said.

Are you where you thought you’d be when you graduated from high school?

Part of me says yes because I always had an aspiration to start a business and build things I’m passionate about, and I’m someone who would always rather try and find out than never know. Part of me says no because I wasn’t sure when it would happen, and I’m so happy to be able to do this so soon after college.

What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?

The accomplishment that I am proudest of is finishing in the top 5 in two half marathons in the last year. However, this isn’t about an athletic achievement. It represents something much larger: the ability to see a long-term vision and work at it every day (whenever I train for them, it’s about 12 weeks of intense training that I have to do daily, whether it’s a long run or lifting weights). It also represents that I have trained myself to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. When you’re moving at that pace for that long, it hurts and your lungs are on fire, but I believe the ability to keep going and not stop until you’re finished shows a lot of grit and determination to reach a goal. This transfers to life, whether it’s a goal you’re accomplishing alone or a team effort.

What do you have in mind for after 40?

To be honest, I have no idea — I am only 24 — but, I want to be married, have children, be the best family man I can be, and continue entrepreneurship.

—Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb

The Shops at Snider Plaza digital platform, Roaming

Ross Mulford

Ross Mulford is continuing the entrepreneurial and civic legacy of his grandfather, Ross Perot Sr. Mulford founded Blue Thunder Management, which is named for his grandfather’s boat, in 2020. He has overseen its growth to span five divisions and a variety of entities, including e-commerce, industrial real estate, and commercial services.

While building Blue Thunder’s majority interest, Mulford served as CFO of a local e-commerce company that later rebranded to become children’s clothing brand Classic Whimsy. Classic Whimsy has grown to be one of the largest Shopify stores in the U.S.

He got the idea for another venture, Jaguar Waste Management, in 2023 when a close friend who owns a trucking company came to visit Mulford during an extended hospital stay after he suffered severe, third-degree burns in a fire.

“I am proud of the opportunities we’ve been able to provide for our people,” Mulford said, “and that I was able to channel the energy from my recovery into building something meaningful, rather than giving in

to the setback of the severe burn injury.”

Early in his career, Mulford served as a Teach For America corps member, where he worked in an underserved area of Houston.

Mulford is an incoming board member for Teach For America Dallas-Fort Worth, a returning board member for St. Philips School and Community Center, and a member of the board of directors for St. Michael Episcopal School.

What (or who) motivated you to get involved in the community?

I have always drawn tremendous inspiration from both of my grandfathers, Ross Perot and Ross Mulford. From their examples, I learned that when something needs to be done, the instinct should be to step forward rather than pass the responsibility to someone else.

They also demonstrated that success in business and commitment to community are inherently intertwined. Ross Perot had a profound impact across many organizations throughout North Texas, while Ross Mulford served more than 25 years in the Marine Corps and retired as a Colonel. Despite their very different careers, they shared the same core values: a strong sense of purpose, taking care of their people, and engaging with others from all walks of life out of a deep sense of patriotism and service. Interestingly, they attended college together, were good friends, and even shared the same first name. Their example of focusing on where they could make a difference — for individuals and for the broader community — has had a lasting influence on how I approach community.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

My first job was as a delivery driver and pizza cook at the Domino’s Pizza on Sherry Lane. I gained a deep appreciation for the attention to detail required to keep operations running smoothly and for learning from people with different experiences and perspectives. Working the night shift, I was immersed in every part of the operation, which gave me perspective that still shapes how I lead and work with teams today. But to this day, I still can’t find my way around the Village Apartments!

—Compiled by Rachel Snyder

Bridget Myers juggles multiple priorities in her roles in Highland Park ISD, a balancing act she began refining early as a waitress at the Purple Cow in Preston Hollow.

“Outside of learning how to carry four cups and several plates at the same time, I also learned how to manage stress, customer service, and how to de-escalate when you accidentally drop an iced tea in someone’s lap,” she said, adding that the iced tea incident only happened once.

As HPISD STEAM lead and a business design and leadership educator in the Moody Advanced Professional Studies program, Myers co-teaches her own classes, works with other classes, and manages extracurriculars including robotics, Destination Imagination, and the Science Fair.

She developed the district’s solar eclipse programming in 2024, has helped create Digitarium programming, and hosts elementary HPISD students for STEAM trips.

“The challenge has been developing efficient processes that actually work at scale,” Myers said. “I need to create things

Katie Kuehl

Communities Foundation of Texas Spring Hill College

Katie Kuehl’s path into the nonprofit sector was shaped by a family that prioritized community service.

“Community involvement never felt like a choice for me, it was a way of life,” she said.

After college, Kuehl spent a year in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. She later served families experiencing homelessness at Raphael House, a family shelter in San Francisco.

As senior officer of scholarships and nonprofit funds at Communities Foundation of Texas, Kuehl has left a significant mark on Dallas’ philanthropic landscape. She credits her colleagues and partners for encouraging her to continue her mission to empower her community. “When I moved to Dallas, I didn’t have to decide if I would get involved, I just had to find my place,” she said.

Kuehl manages scholarship programs that award more than $2 million annually to over 400 students, while also guiding over 50 nonprofits in the region.

“No two fund relationships are the same, and each day brings new questions related to financials, compliance, fundraising, and

that work well for many different groups now and, if it all goes as planned, will keep working for years to come.”

All but six months of Myers’ own career have been spent in HPISD. She came to the district as an eighth-grade health teacher and coach. Over her 12 years in HPISD, she has taught four grades and four different subjects, and each, she said, has provided her with opportunities to explore new ways of teaching.

“From where I stand, the biggest asset of Highland Park ISD is the many hands that lift up the teachers, students, and staff — the parents who give their time to support the classroom and the extracurriculars,” she said. “When the people around you are excited and interested in the education process and success of each student, it just makes the HPISD teachers’ job — my job — so much easier and more joyful.”

What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?

I’m proud to be a working, involved mom to two kids. Having an equally hard-working and involved partner makes it even sweeter. Now, I am extra-proud

other complex challenges,” she explained.

Beyond her professional work, Kuehl supports local programs through the Junior League of Dallas, reflecting her philosophy that community involvement is integral to building meaningful change.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

If you don’t count washing dishes at my family’s bakery, babysitting, or working at a summer camp for preschoolers all before I turned 16, my first job was working at TCBY. It was my favorite job to date (sorry CFT, it’s hard to beat working in a dessert shop!) It was my introduction to responsibility in the workplace. Reflecting back on that time, it taught me that when you empower and trust young people, tasking them with inventory, finances, opening and closing the store, they will rise to the occasion. It also instilled in me a deep respect for the service industry and gave me a firsthand look at how a simple positive interaction can completely shift someone’s day.

Are you where you thought you’d be when you graduated from high school?

Absolutely not! I thought I’d be an efficiency expert working for FedEx in Memphis with my theoretical house full of kids and a husband. By the end of the first semester in college, I realized I was destined to study math and find a career within the philanthropic sector to problem-solve social issues alongside a community of caring peers. My high school self would not believe how much I’ve traveled, how many people I’ve met, or all of the other ways I’ve stepped outside of my comfort zone. My college self would be proud.

What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?

Reflecting on my career thus far, I am proudest of having facilitated the distribution of over $12 million in scholarship funding to thousands of students over the past nine years. I believe that education is a powerful equalizer and my hope is that these scholarships have removed financial barriers and served as a catalyst for each student’s success and their family’s future.

—Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb

bringing my son as a kindergartener to the district where I’ve spent the majority of my professional career.

What is your favorite local restaurant or shop?

My kids and I love The Toy Maven. They love looking for new toys and I love seeing all the interesting things that companies make for kids now. I wonder, “did they make these when I was a kid?” and, “is there anything here I should try to use for a lesson?” It’s a dangerous place for parents if they go in without a plan, and, at the same time, an excellent place to explore together.

What’s on your bucket list?

I was a Spanish minor in college and spent a summer in Barcelona. I’ve always wanted to be able to take my family back to visit one day and get to revisit something that now seems so long ago. If only my host, my abuelita, Ana, were still alive for us to visit! She was so kind to me and provided the best opportunity for me to immerse myself in Spanish culture.

—Compiled by Sarah

Hodges

Blue Thunder Management Vanderbilt University, University of Texas at Austin

Bridget Myers

COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION of TEXAS

CFT Board of Trustees leaders Connie Blass O’Neill and Matrice Ellis-Kirk with President/CEO Wayne White and Chief Relationships Officer Calvert Collins-Bratton

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