Transforming the world by FAITH, EDUCATION and SERVICE.
Core Values
We believe in…
Demonstrating God’s love and sacrifice for all people
Embracing everyone’s potential to be extraordinary
Serving others with dignity
Teaching values, building character and demanding integrity
Investing in positive community transformation
Nurturing self-confidence, individual sacrifice and embracing cultural awareness YOU BELONG!
Our Mission
To provide an unparalleled education and compatible community services through a faith-based experience, with emphasis on impacting low and moderate income families.
Connect With Us
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EDITORIAL TEAM: Kimberly Ballard-Madison and Anyika McMillan-Herod
DESIGN: Kate Blackstone
CONTRIBUTORS: Terry J. Flowers, Toyota Morrison, Kellee Murrell, and LaSheryl Walker
Oh,
A Word From the Perot Family Headmaster
Our Faith Drives Change
Change does not ride a bicycle. It is driven.
St. Philip’s was established over 70 years ago as a parish of the Episcopal Diocese. Upon establishment, the members identified a juvenile delinquency problem in the surrounding community. Rather than ignoring the issue, the church responded with ministry and the rest is history. Today, far too many churches are “drive-in” facilitators, which effect minimal change within the communities where they reside.
As a school and community center, St. Philip’s is a triple A: We are an Anchor. We are an Advocate. We are an Agent for Change to advance the neighborhood and anointed soils we choose to call home.
The South Dallas/Fair Park community is in recovery. Five decades ago, legislation and growing neglect resulted in the intentional over-saturation of 373 liquor-related businesses within this four-mile area of Dallas. In fact, thirty-nine of those businesses were once within four blocks of St. Philip’s campus. This triggered a blight that literally stripped away PROGRESS, POTENTIAL, and PROMISE from South Dallas.
We use the word recovery in connection with the redemptive power of FAITH. We are standing on the rock-solid faith of that small but mighty St. Philip’s parish of 70+ years ago who chose to look and serve beyond the walls of the church. Today, of the thirty-nine liquor related businesses within four blocks of our campus, only seven remain. In addition, twenty-seven transactional drug properties within that same radius have been shut down, along with a disreputable motel. Over the course of the last thirty years, like an antibody, faith has fueled the construction of twenty-two Habitat for Humanity houses and fifty-one housing units within four blocks of our campus.
"St. Philip’s is a triple A: We are an Anchor. We are an Advocate. We are an Agent for Change..."
Visiting Nurses Association, which distributes 1,100 meals a day to the homes of the elderly. There is also a free legal clinic and hot meals are served in the evenings on our campus for youth.
Change does not simply arrive. It does not ride a bicycle. It is driven. St. Philip’s firmly embraces the privilege to pray in school and in our community services. Our faith has been the fuel that has given St. Philip’s School & Community Center the boldness to drive community change. We continue to stand with our neighbors to oppose adverse zoning petitions, along with linking vital social services and resources through thoughtful collaborations. We surrender to the acknowledgment that we are not driving. HE is our chauffeur and pilot.
South Dallas’ recovery has included prescriptive measures. Our neighborhood now has a senior citizens’ transportation program, a client-choice food pantry through the North Texas Food Bank, and a thriving Meals on Wheels program, in partnership with
Blessings,
Dr. Terry J. Flowers
A Word From The George T. Lee, Jr. Principal Making Gains!
This has been a dynamic school year, especially as it relates to St. Philip’s School & Community Center’s provision of ENGAGING and RIGOROUS instruction. We’ve made gains!
Bolstering academic support was a major focus. We solidified an instructional leadership team, providing a lead for every content area in our school. Our new Math Specialist made a big impact on math instruction, particularly in the areas of differentiation. In addition, we successfully integrated a new curriculum mapping program, emphasizing curriculum alignment. Our official Project Based Learning (PBL) fair – THE MAKER FAIR – featured hundreds of S.T.E.A.M. inspired creations by students from all grade levels.
Another exciting accomplishment was the development of the Principal’s Advisory Council (PAC), a working committee of fifteen members made up of parents and St. Philip’s faculty. PAC’s purpose is to bridge relationships between the school and parents, and to secure an authentic parental voice and impactful engagement. We look forward to implementing the positive actions set forth by the PAC throughout the upcoming year!
Sincere Regards,
68% OF OUR FACULTY NOW HOLD ADVANCED DEGREES
MINUTES STUDENTS SPENT 150 PARENTS ATTENDED PARENT UNIVERSITY 21 SERVED BY OUR CERTIFIED ACADEMIC LANGUAGE THERAPIST
72 HOURS
30 GIRLS OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT LED BY OUR MATH SPECIALIST
PARTICIPATED IN THE WOMEN IN STEM CHALLENGE LED BY THE PEROT MUSEUM
Kellee Murrell
AT A GLANCE: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Our school currently serves over 200 students in grades PreK2-6th (ages 2-12) who benefit from St. Philip’s rigorous, nurturing, and dynamic Christian-based education.
Reading is ESSENTIAL at St. Philip’s
English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) is essential in developing the whole child and a successful student at St. Philip’s. All of our students begin the first fifteen minutes of their day in school with Drop Everything and Read or D.E.A.R. time: Students read to each other. Teachers, parents, or volunteers read aloud to students. This is story time extended well beyond the library!
“I love that we are fostering a love for reading in our students through D.E.A.R. time and novel study, which now begins in First Grade,” shares George T. Lee Jr. Principal, Kellee Murrell. “Kids who always have a book in hand, do well. Period.”
There is not only academic but also personal value that comes with reading. Once students develop a heart and passion for reading, studies show that not only do their creativity, imagination, and predictive and critical thinking skills surge, but so do their interactions with the world.
Every classroom at St. Philip’s is equipped with more than textbooks. Our students are even encouraged to bring their own books for D.E.A.R. time, and it is an expectation that our parents read to and with their children at home. This year, St. Philip’s incorporated a “literacy circle” in the After School Care program - another testament to the cultivation and value of reading at St. Philip’s School & Community Center.
Kids who always have a book in hand, do well. Period.
Oh, the Places We Go!
Learning does not have to be limited to a building. For years, St. Philip’s has modeled itself as a school without walls. One often finds our students and faculty in our gym, our hallways, and outdoors engaged in an innovative math, science, or Spanish lesson. Our annual academic excursions take this concept a lot further and prove to be a unique aspect to elementary school education.
Beginning in Early Childhood, our tiniest scholars grow accustomed to fun outings with their classmates, teachers, and parent volunteers to area museums, theaters, pumpkin patches, and more. By First Grade, the excursions begin to expand into overnight and out of town trips, each a culmination of a specific part of the grade level’s curriculum.
First Graders take an in-depth Tour of Dallas and visit Dinosaur World in Glen Rose, while Second Grade students visit NASA in Houston. Sky Ranch brings science, history, and the wilderness to life for our Third Grade students, whereas Fourth Graders experience Texas History in enriching ways through a weekend spent at Wolf Run, and a two-day trip to San Antonio and our state capital, Austin. Finally, our students look forward to their last two years at St. Philip’s for the long-awaited week long Civil Rights Tour across the southern United States, and the Grand Canyon excursion, during which students begin to prepare themselves for life after St. Philip’s.
We do not take these academic excursions for granted, knowing that many children are not afforded these opportunities. Excursions can be costly, but given their alignment with our curriculum and all the wonderful benefits provided by “out-of-school learning” - including independence and problem-solving - St. Philip’s will ensure its academic excursions continue for years to come.
Tuition Assistance Program Helps Families Thrive
A St. Philip’s education is valued by many because of its holistic approach to teaching, learning, and human development. We strive to provide each student with exceptional academic, cultural, spiritual, and service learning experiences. By doing so, we prepare children to walk confidently on the road God has paved specifically for them, so that they might be positive lights of transformation in our community and the world.
However, a St. Philip’s education is also out of reach for many families because it is tuition-based, and 90% of our families are first-generation private school bound. The Tuition Assistance program ensures our most vulnerable families are equipped to “Say YES!” to a St. Philip’s education for their child(ren). This school year, donors helped to distribute over $450,000 in Tuition Assistance to 65% of St. Philip’s families!
St. Philip’s is sincerely grateful to the following partners and friends for their compassionate and generous support of our Tuition Assistance program: Capital for Kids Doherty Foundation
Esping Family Foundation
The Crystal Charity Ball
The Eugene McDermott Foundation
The Rees-Jones Foundation
FUND A FAMILY NEXT SCHOOL YEAR and you can be the transformation in the lives of students. For details, visit www.stphilips1600.org/donate/family.cfm, or contact Anyika McMillan-Herod, Sr. Director of Philanthropy at aherod@stphilips.com or 214.421.5221 ext. 238.
A Word From The Community Center Director
The Community Center continues its mission to serve the community we call home. This spring, we were excited to conduct a comprehensive door-to-door community survey developed by students of SMU’s Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity. The survey will help St. Philip’s assess the current needs of its neighbors and social service programs.
The Center was abuzz in recent months with its annual spring programs: The Senior Prom that served approximately 100 senior citizens, Mother’s Day Store, and Girl’s Night Out mentoring activities. Our monthly community meetings continue to keep our neighbors informed of pending developments, issues, and other plans in the southern sector, while giving them a platform to provide input and influence neighborhood transformation.
St. Philip’s has benefited tremendously from its community partnership with Top Ladies of Distinction, a national educational and service organization dedicated to developing youth and improving the status of women and senior citizens. Their increased involvement helped make this year’s Parent University, Fancy Hat Tea Party, Oratorical Contest, and our campus beautification projects a success.
In April, St. Philip’s was honored to host TAX MADNESS, a free day of community tax workshops, tax prep, and children’s activities for the South Dallas community.
“The tax service provided at St. Philip’s was a huge blessing for me,” shared one client. “The tax preparers were knowledgeable and extremely helpful. I hope more people will take advantage of this free service.” This program, provided in partnership with the City of Dallas,
Community Tax Center, IRS, State Fair of Texas, and the United Way, proved to meet a crucial need for many in the community.
In service,
LaSheryl Walker
AT A GLANCE: COMMUNITY CENTER IMPACT
The
Forest Theater Project Awarded TREC’s Inaugural Dallas Catalyst Grant
This is an exciting time for South Dallas!
The Real Estate Council (TREC) announced last fall that the Forest Theater Project - a collaboration between CitySquare, Cornerstone Baptist Church, and St. Philip’s School & Community Center - is the recipient of its inaugural Dallas Catalyst Project Grant, a three-year, $1 million TREC Foundation initiative to revitalize a Dallas neighborhood. The project was one of forty submitted for consideration by more than 150 nonprofits and includes pro-bono professional services.
Through this concerted effort, the iconic Forest Theater, once a destination for film and culture in South Dallas, will undergo renovation, along with the adjacent retail
space along Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Exterior improvements will also be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church and an innovative communal space installed using the canopy of the 1-45 bridge.
“Our hope is that this project will truly serve as a catalyst for transformation,” says Perot Family Headmaster, Dr. Terry J. Flowers, who noted that TREC has a solid history of supporting projects in the southern sector. “Along with the GrowSouth initiative, the Forest Theater Project not only represents a new era of neighborhood, economic, and even cultural revitalization of the South Dallas/Fair Park community we love and serve, but is a prime example of the strength of community collaboration.”
(Texas/Dallas History and Archives Division/Dallas Public Library)
(Preservation Dallas)
College Pursuits Transforming the Lives of Community Center Alumni
There is an expectation of St. Philip’s students to graduate from high school and attend college. It is ingrained in them beginning in Early Childhood. For our students, it is never a question of “IF I’ll attend college” but “WHERE will I attend college?” It is exciting to see this culture and expectation of excellence in the lives of those we serve through the Community Center, as well.
Dominique Childress and DeCamryn Levy are shining examples of the impact St. Philip’s is making on the lives of children and youth through the numerous educational, social, and athletic programs offered through the Community Center.
Dominique grew up a block from St. Philip’s, where he and his siblings spent much of their time after school and during the summer. He participated in many Community Center activities, including athletics, mentoring, and even the college bound program. Dominique graduated from Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet at Townview High School a few years ago and is presently a senior Criminal Justice major at Prairie View A&M University, where he made the Dean’s List this past fall.
Dominique is a firstgeneration college bound student. He will graduate this fall with plans of becoming a Juvenile Gang Officer, ultimately working his way up to become a Homicide Detective. “I’m a member of the Criminal Justice Club
at Prairie View and play on the intramural football and basketball teams,” shares Dominique, who many find to be kind and gregarious. He is also a hard worker. “I’ve been able to keep good grades while working and pursuing school.”
DeCamryn, a freshman at Texas College and the youngest of three children, is also the first in his family to attend college. He attended Madison
High School in South Dallas where he played football, and then Wilmer Hutchins High School where he graduated last year. “St. Philip’s has been my anchor and reason for attending college,” he explains. “At St. Philip’s, I was always encouraged to seek a higher education because it would afford me the opportunity to have a better life.”
Whenever DeCamryn comes home, he finds the time to stop by St. Philip’s to visit or volunteer. He is very appreciative of Community Center Director, Lasheryl Walker, and other staff who have been supportive of his college pursuits, even equipping him with much needed items for school.
“St. Philip’s has been my anchor and reason for attending college. At St. Philip’s, I was always encouraged to seek a higher education because it would afford me the opportunity to have a better life.”
St. Philip's Alum, DeCamryn Levy
“St. Philip’s hasn’t forgotten about me,” says DeCamryn, who is majoring in Business. He looks forward to the day when he is a successful entrepreneur so he can give back to the South Dallas community and ministry that has poured so much into him. “St. Philip’s remembered me during the Christmas Store, and I always get a phone call or text to see how I’m doing. I look forward to remembering St. Philip’s in big ways when I am a business owner.”
AT A GLANCE: ATHLETICS
For several decades, St. Philip’s has provided arguably the largest and most diverse athletics program for 4- to 14-year-olds in the southern sector of Dallas.
SAINTS Basketball Season Closes with A Swish!
St. Philip’s Winter Basketball League ended in March with 183 games played over eight weeks. The season culminated with the two day 13th Annual Paul “PBO” Bryson Tournament, at which seventeen teams participated, and approximately 800 attended. The tournament honors the memory and legacy of Paul Bryson, a dedicated parent and Community Center volunteer. It also raises vital scholarship funds to support the education of his daughters and other children in the community.
Our SAINTS performed well in the tournament with the 8 and up team placing 2nd and the 12 and up Boys and Girls teams also taking home 2nd Place. What’s next for SAINTS BASKETBALL? Selecting a competitive team for the summer!
These Former SAINTS are College-Bound
Congratulations to the following youth who once donned SAINTS football or basketball uniforms. They are now collegebound. Keep soaring!
University of Illinois
DEMORRIS DANIZER
CALVIN AVERY: Graduating from Bishop Dunne Catholic School –headed to the
KENNEDY TAYLOR : Graduating from Lincoln High School – headed to Texas State
TRAVION JACKSON: Graduating from Madison High School – headed to Blinn College
will attend Langston University
Partnership with Park South YMCA Producing Competitive Swimmers
Taryn and Makayla are at home in the water. Both have been swimming competitively with the YMCA for several years. St. Philip’s established a partnership with Park South YMCA, located in the heart of South Dallas, a few years ago to offer free swim fun and lessons for students and participants in the After School Care and summer program. For some, swimming blossomed beyond a skill into a passion.
For Taryn, swimming brings excitement, fun, good health, and confidence. One day, she hopes it will also bring her an Olympic medal. She is already well on her way, with the accumulation of countless ribbons and medals the last three years. In fact, during the YMCA state swim meet last year, she placed 2nd in the 50m freestyle, 2nd in the 50m backstroke, and 3rd in the breaststroke. “My goal for this year’s state swim meet is first place,” she says. Taryn also swims with the Dallas Mustangs, a USA team.
Makayla, a St. Philip’s alum, followed her big brother into the program. She consistently places in the top 20% of her age group in competitions. She plans to compete through high school and swim at a collegiate level. “Swimming has taught me discipline and endurance,” she explains. “You need both in the water and in life.”
Many thanks to former NFL player and friend of St. Philip’s, Troy Vincent and his wife, Tommi, for hosting a wonderful afternoon of fun and engagement for hundreds of South Dallas children at St. Philip’s on April 24. Their faith-driven family brand, VINCENT COUNTRY, put smiles on so many faces as they played, trained, and participated in a cooking master class.
Taryn
Makayla
Vincent Country Hosts Safe Zone Activity Day
ALUMNI
Alumni Chapel 2018
ALUMNI NEWS
Class of 2018
Middle School Acceptances
Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy
Bishop Dunne Catholic School
Canterbury Episcopal School
Episcopal School of Dallas
Tyler Street Christian Academy
W.E. Greiner Academy
St. Philip’s Class of 2012 – Graduation Announcements
class of 20 12
Edmond Anderson will graduate from Townview Magnet High School. He received a full scholarship to attend Morehouse College where he will major in Pre-Med, with a focus on Kinesiology.
Wesley Banks was the valedictorian of St. Philip’s Class of 2012. He will graduate from Episcopal School of Dallas and attend Occidental College to pursue a degree in Political Science. Wesley will also play for the school’s football team.
Leah Berhe will graduate from the School of Health Professions at Townview Magnet High School. She will pursue a degree in Dentistry at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Leah was accepted for the third year in a row into Texas A&M’s School of Dentistry collegiate program where she will intern and graduate from the Dental Assistant program.
Taylor Conerly will graduate from Uplift’s Hampton Preparatory. She plans to major in Pre-Med with a focus on Psychology, and received over a dozen college acceptances, including Dillard University, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, the University of Texas, and Xavier University. Taylor has received a scholarship from the Boys and Girls Club where she has been involved for seven years.
Patricia Crawford, a member of the National Honor Society, will graduate from Liberty High School in Frisco. She was accepted to 20 colleges and universities. Among them Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View University, and Tuskegee University. Patricia earned over 100 Community Service hours and will pursue a degree in Marketing.
Jamar Root Jakayla Silas
Marion 'Alex' Stampley Zach Thompson
Murphy Pressley Emir Price
Wesley Banks
Taylor Robertson
Patricia Crawford
Edmond Anderson
Uriah Jones Reese Hicks
Michael Johnson
Taylor Conerly
Vashti Dorman was accepted to nearly a dozen colleges, including Abilene Christian University, Alabama State, Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, and Philander Smith College. She will graduate from Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet at Townview. She will major in Journalism.
Reese Hicks will graduate from Bishop Dunne Catholic School. He will attend North Carolina A&T and major in Mechanical Engineering. Reese anticipates playing baseball and has interned at Plum Tree Partners where he worked hand in hand with CEO Jeff Rich to learn about commercial investments and private equity.
Michael Johnson, Jr. is graduating from Richland Collegiate High School with his High School diploma and an Associate of Arts in Business. He will attend Stephen F. Austin State University and major in Business Sports Management & Marketing. Michael was active in numerous organizations, including AVID and Senior Capstone, and volunteered with the Junior NAACP in Garland, the Key Club and North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship Church.
Uriah Jones will attend Prairie View A&M University this fall to pursue a degree in Finance. She is graduating from Bishop Dunne Catholic School.
Alexis McDaniel will graduate with Honors from Bishop Dunne Catholic School. She was accepted into Alabama State University, Jackson State University, Philander Smith College, and Wiley College. She will major in Criminal Justice and minor in African American Studies and Dance at Alabama State University. Alexis is the recipient of the Rebekah Rivera Foundation’s Spirit of Love Scholarship.
Murphy Pressley will graduate from the Episcopal School of Dallas. She will attend St. John’s University and major in Psychology.
Emir Price is graduating from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He was accepted to several schools, including California Institute for the Arts,
Howard University and The New School. A Presidential Scholar, Emir will attend Howard University and pursue a degree in Theatre Arts or Communications on a full academic scholarship.
Taylor Robertson will attend Hampton University to join its dynamic 5-year MBA program on a full academic scholarship. She was also offered academic scholarships to Howard University and Tuskegee University. She is graduating from the Episcopal School of Dallas and will participate in an internship at Toyota Corporation this summer.
Jamar Root will graduate from Bishop Dunne Catholic School. He was accepted to Temple University and Texas Southern University. He will attend Temple University and major in Sports Management. This summer, he plans to take a math class at Mountain View College and umpire many baseball games to help purchase books. Jamar has already completed 23 college credits via the dual credit program between Bishop Dunne and Mountain View. Temple University has accepted all 23 college credits!
Jakayla Silas is graduating with Honors from Canterbury Episcopal School where she was voted Homecoming Queen and Miss Spirit. She was accepted to Belmont College, Dallas Baptist University, and Kansas University. She will major in Biology and play basketball collegiately. Jakayla has earned over 100 volunteer hours with the VA Hospital, and this summer, will intern at Parkland Hospital.
Marion “Alex” Stampley will graduate from Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy. He will attend Morehouse College on a full academic scholarship and will major in Biology/Pre-Med.
Zachary Thompson will attend Morehouse College to major in Business. He is graduating from Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy. Zachary was accepted to several colleges, including Iowa State, Prairie View A&M, St. John’s, and the University of Texas. He will serve as an intern with AmeriCorps this summer.
class of 2012 by the #s
3 ALUMNI
are Morehouse College Bound
50% will attend a HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY
60% are graduating with HONORS are receiving full ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS 25%
1000+ COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS EARNED
WE ACHIEVE
Our Alumni are impacting our world – for the better!
Class of 2000
Charleston Turnley, Co-Founder and CFO of Olympic Gold Studios, a software & IP company that creates and designs video games, is officially an entrepreneur!
Class of 2002
Candice Bryson is now a financial advisor for AXA Financial Services. | Trenton Wesson is the head women’s basketball coach, 7th grade baseball coach and varsity QB coach for All Saints’ Episcopal School in Fort Worth. He is also a personal skills trainer. | Tristan Wesson is the 7th grade Technology and PE teacher for All Saints’ Episcopal School. He also serves as the coach for All Saints’ varsity football running backs and is head coach for the school’s JV baseball team.
Class of 2003
Robert Gant was recently named a legal assistant at Gant & Hicks, PLLC.
FIELDS OF STUDY
Class of 2004
Gabrielle McBay, a chef and blogger, is now a published author! Her first cookbook, Peace, Love, and Good Food, was published in 2017.
Class of 2005
Tiffany Bryson was recently accepted into Physical Therapy school. | Amber Bush was accepted into the Child Life Master’s Program at Texas Women’s University.
Class of 2009
Bobbye Hampton was one of a handful of students selected for the Dean’s Racial and Social Justice Internship launched at Emory University, where she just completed her junior year.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
The Power of the St. Philip’s Creed Fueled William McDonald’s Dreams
A lawyer’s signature block is typically overlooked during the intense drafting and editing of a legal brief. For most, the signature block simply identifies who is drafting the legal brief and whom that person represents in the case. However, for me, the signature block represents dreams flourishing into reality.
As long as I can remember, I wanted to be a lawyer. In middle school, my first leisurely read was about the trial of the century, People v. Orenthal James Simpson. In high school, I had a list of the top 25 law schools taped to my window. During college, I read legal briefs from famous cases such as Brown v. Board of Education and Sweatt v. Painter. These briefs sparked my fascination with the attorney’s signature block. I developed a rapacious appetite for reviewing legal briefs and each time, I would turn to the last page to see which legal giant signed the brief.
At a certain point, I realized I too would sign my name at the end of a legal brief. Yet, I would ask myself, how will I get there? How can a young Black boy from East Dallas compete with peers from Greenwich, CT, Highland Park, TX, or Palo Alto, CA? Am I talented enough to represent and protect the interests of world-renowned clients?
In order to answer these tough questions, I leaned on a foundation that was laid for me by the educational architects at St. Philip’s School & Community Center in sunny South Dallas. Answers to these questions would come in the form of short phrases learned during daily chapel, “The sky is the limit, if I just put my mind it it….The bias, the rumors, nor the stereotypes will hinder my growth…Success is my right, failure my option…Look at me! Great things lie ahead.”
I would ask myself, how will I get there? How can a young Black boy from East Dallas compete with peers from Greenwich, Highland Park or Palo Alto?
These messages and themes were constantly instilled in me during my time at St. Philip’s. These messages and themes were recalled during rides on the DART bus to attend Jesuit College Preparatory School. These messages and themes inspired me to attend Morehouse College. These messages and themes were whispered under my breath while biking to class down Palm Drive at Stanford University. These messages and themes were shared with my black classmates that needed a boost of confidence during finals at The University of Texas School of Law. Lastly, these messages and themes were at the forefront of my mind while I signed the following to a recent legal brief:
William A.I. McDonald, III
JACKSON WALKER, LLP
Attorney for the De fendants
Harpo Produc�ons, Inc , Sony Pictures Television, Inc , ZoCo Produc�ons, LLC, and Dr Mehmet Oz
OUR VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers make St. Philip’s School & Community Center’s world go ‘round! To every individual and every corporate, church, or school group who graced our campus this year, THANK YOU.
Time is precious, and we are tremendously grateful you chose to share your time with St. Philip’s. Thank you for rolling up your sleeves, sharing your time and talent, and joining St. Philip’s in transforming our community and world through FAITH, EDUCATION, and SERVICE.
AT&T
Americorp
Atmos
Bank of America
Bridge Lacrosse
Cache Youth Group/AKA Sorority
City of Dallas
CNA Insurance
Dallas Autumn Ball
Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration
Episcopal School of Dallas
Ernst & Young
ESRP Real Estate Services
Feeding Children Everywhere
Helping Hands/Caring Hearts
Hunt Leadership Scholars
Junior League of Dallas
Kolorblok
Prestonwood Christian Academy
The Reds
The Real Estate Council
SMU
St. Philip’s Dad’s Club
Our Valentine’s Day tradition continued with this year’s VALENTINES FOR VOLUNTEERS Chapel and Breakfast that featured thoughtful presentations by students and an inspiring homily by Pastor Bryan Carter of Concord Church.
St. Philip’s Mission Moms
The Urban League
Top Ladies of Distinction
UT Southwestern (Physician Assistants)
Ursuline Academy Alumnae
Association
Victory Church
Visiting Nurses Association/ Meals on Wheels
Weber Shandwick
West Coast University Wisteria
Eagle Scout and Episcopal School of Dallas senior, David Talbot, built a beautiful sixty-five foot paved walkway leading to St. Philip’s aquaponics garden for his Eagle Scout Project.
Campaign Update
St. Philip’s historic WE BELIEVE Campaign, launched two years ago, is approaching the halfway mark toward the $50 million goal, with over $20 million generated in total commitments. We continue to inspire giving to this transformational effort. A $500,000 gift from Alison and Edward Doherty will fund the renovation of a new Athletic Fieldhouse. Karen and Tom Falk and Wendy and Bill Payne contributed to establish family scholarships.
We are excited to announce that due to the generous commitment of Roger Horchow, Betty Regard and an Anonymous donor, the School’s principal position has been endowed in honor of one of the organization’s most beloved friends – George Lee. As of this spring, Mrs. Kellee Murrell is the George T. Lee, Jr. Principal of St. Philip’s School & Community Center.
A number of new and long-term friends of St. Philip’s have hosted a series of receptions to initiate and expand conversations about Education That Works at St. Philip’s. Many thanks to the following for their continued ambassadorship to ensure WE BELIEVE is a success:
Mary McDermott Cook
Lacie and Pat Crow
Brill and Jason Garrett
Nancy Perot and Rod Jones
Robert Kaplan
Eugenia and Frank-Paul King
Liza Lee
Diana and Todd Maclin
Lyn and John Muse
Abigail and Andrew Sinwell
Steve Smiley
Tina and Dan Stansbury, Jr.
Finally, WE BELIEVE welcomed new Cabinet Members this year, including Chief David O. Brown and Cedonia Brown, A. Shonn Brown and Clarence Brown, Courtney Flanagan, and Shelle Sills.
St. Philip’s Establishes Planned Giving Initiative
Planned giving is vital to the sustainability and growth of non-profits, and St. Philip’s School & Community Center stands positioned to pursue such an effort. Last fall, we formed a committee, spearheaded by Liza Lee , dedicated to establishing a true Planned Giving program for the organization. Individuals and families who notify St. Philip’s of their choice to leave a lasting legacy to St. Philip’s through bequests and other planned gifts, are included among the members of the Dr. Barbara S. Cambridge Giving Circle.
Dr. Cambridge is an original member of St. Philip’s Church, a St. Philip’s School alumni grandparent, former trustee, and longtime ambassador and advocate of the St. Philip’s ministry. She embodies St. Philip’s vision and legacy of FAITH, EDUCATION, and SERVICE, having left an indelible imprint on the South Dallas community and disenfranchised populations in our city through her impressive career as a social worker and psychotherapist.
St. Philip’s Planned Giving Committee includes:
Liza Lee, Chair
Dr. Barbara Cambridge
Meredith Camp
Mark Esposito
Susan Fisk
Bob Marshall
Rust Reid
Bonnie Smith
Over the last decade, planned gifts have made a significant impact on the organization. From daily operations to capital projects, from scholarships to specific programs, our loyal friends, like the late Don Houseman who blessed St. Philip’s with a gift from his estate this year, are helping to ensure St. Philip’s School & Community Center is here to serve for generations to come.
Dr. Barbara S. Cambridge
WID-WID-WIDI: Why I Do, What I Do, Where I Do It
Being a Black male and seeing the shortage of fathers in so many homes, drives me to continue to do what I do. This is my passion. It is not a coincidence that I am here at St. Philip’s School & Community Center. Joe Yow, Kindergarten Teacher
Joe Yow Kindergarten Math/Science Teacher
God has graced us all with spiritual and natural gifts that He intends for us to use to change lives. It brings me joy to do what I do knowing that the end-result is helping a young child develop and grow by being a positive influence in their life. Being a Black male and seeing the shortage of fathers in so many homes, drives me to continue to do what I do. This is my passion. It is not a coincidence that I am here at St. Philip’s School & Community Center. At first, I was a little skeptical about teaching Kindergarten, but every year, God assures me by the students that come into my classroom, that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
Tamekia Booker-Wallace Pre-K2 Teacher
I am blessed with the opportunity to share my days with 15 fantastically interesting two and three year olds at St. Philip’s. They are full of active curiosity, vigor and just a few clouds. I have immersed myself in the Early Childhood world for over 18 years.
In my years of teaching, I have encountered countless teaching styles. The heavenly Father has allowed me a gift of meshing educational concepts with hands-on
experiences. I have experimented with real life experiences including cooking in the classroom, theme-based lessons, and learning excursions. Whenever possible, I refine, throw out, revamp, look and pray for the inspiration that brings innovation to my classroom. For me, teaching is a creative experience!
Coach Eddie Fletcher Athletic Director
I have always had a passion for mentoring youth in sports, teaching them life skills, and providing them with positive experiences. My drive to work with children came from my own personal experience of having two parents that supported me financially and emotionally in everything I attempted to do in my early life. I came to St. Philip’s first as a volunteer coach in 1996 after operating my own organization for over 15 years. I was inspired by the drive that so many of the St. Philip’s Saints players had but saw there were not many volunteers to help keep them going in the right direction.
Being Athletic Director at St. Philip’s School & Community Center allows me to mentor and direct children and young men on a larger scale. It offers me the chance to give something back to the community and make a difference to the people that I love to see grow. It is so fulfilling to see success in those that come through our program.
I’ve helped those who had no other place to turn find a road to receiving a college education, the Pros, becoming professionals, and productive citizens of society. This has had a profound effect on my life. It fills my heart when young men return and thank me for being a positive influence. Those moments are always confirmation for Why I Do, What I Do, and Where I Do It.
IN MEMORIAM
“Memory is the language of those passed on. Now residing in Glory.”
The St. Philip’s Community sends its heartfelt condolences to the Bussey, Clements, Coke, and Kramer families. We thank God for the privilege of being blessed by the compassionate generosity and friendship of their loved ones.
Ruth Ola Hollis Bussey 1930 – 2018
Mrs. Bussey was a cheerful giver! She and husband, Sam, who passed away a few years ago, were avid friends of St. Philip’s since the 1990s. They shared a passion for the arts and education. In 2005, they established the Sam and Ruth Bussey Foundation and decided St. Philip’s would be one of its top beneficiaries. St. Philip’s is grateful for Mrs. Bussey’s quiet yet impactful philanthropy in support of our educational programs and endowment.
Rita Crocker Clements 1931-2018
Mrs. Clements, the mother of St. Philip’s trustee, Bonnie Smith, and wife of the late Texas Governor, Bill Clements, was a loyal supporter of St. Philip’s for over twenty years. She was a passionate advocate of education and served on the University of Texas System Board of Regents, first appointed by Governor George W. Bush and re-appointed by Governor Rick Perry. Mrs. Clements was active politically, philanthropically, and in corporate America. She was on the board of The O’Donnell Foundation of Dallas, which focuses on education initiatives nationally.
Henry Coke, III 1928 – 2017
Rev. Coke, an Episcopalian priest and counselor, helped with St. Philip’s as far back as the 1960s. He was a faithful ambassador of the St. Philip’s ministry, particularly during his time of leadership with St. Michael and All Angels Church. Rev. Coke served many terms as a St. Philip’s trustee. He and his wife, Anne, were staunch supporters of St. Philip’s mission and vision to transform South Dallas and the world through faith, education, and service.
Dr. Bob Kramer 1932 – 2017
St. Philip’s School & Community Center honored “Dr. Bob” at its 2015 Friends of St. Philip’s Luncheon. He was the definition of the word FRIEND – loyal, honest, and generous with his time and treasure. Dr. Bob dedicated five decades of his life to improving the health and lives of children as a pediatrician, community leader, member of the faculty at UT Southwestern Medical Center, and as a trailblazer in the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis. He fell in love with St. Philip’s a decade ago, and it was hard for us not to do the same with him, especially given his sweet, jovial spirit.
18th Annual Destiny Award Luncheon A Conversation with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
“Legacy, Love and Basketball”
On February 23, St. Philip’s School & Community Center’s campus was graced with the awesome and monumental presence of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and six-time NBA champion, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The engaging moderated interview, led by former Dallas Maverick and NBA All-Star, Rolando Blackman, proved Mr. AbdulJabbar is not only a brilliant athlete, but a brilliant mind. He spoke passionately and eloquently about a variety of topics, from basketball to our nation’s political climate.
The luncheon was a SLAM DUNK, garnering over $800,000 to support St. Philip’s educational and social service programs. Its success is attributed to the leadership of the luncheon Co-Chairs, Courtney Flanagan, Peter Kraus, and Ann Mahowald; and Honorary Chairs, Lisa and Kenny Troutt.
The 2018 Humanitarian Award recipients, Dr. and Mrs. Myron Watkins, were honored for their long history of involvement in civic, educational, health, and cultural endeavors in the Dallas community.
Many thanks to the following major sponsors and donors, and Host Committee members of the 2018 Destiny Award Luncheon. You Belong!
DESTINY AWARD SPONSORS
Lydia and Bill Addy
Jim Barrow
FAITH SPONSORS
Lisa and Peter Kraus
Diana and Todd Maclin
Mona and David Munson
Cindy and Howard Rachofsky
Lisa and Kenny Troutt
EDUCATION SPONSORS
Bank of Texas
Rolando Blackman Foundation
Tom Fagadau, Craig Glick, Jerald Sklar and Jeff Zlotky
Liz and Tom Halsey
Kim Jordan
Robert S. Kaplan
Lennox International Inc.
Lottye and Bobby Lyle
Merrill Lynch Private Banking and Investment Group
Jennifer and Jon Mosle Fund of Communities Foundation of Texas
Jewel and Roland Parrish
Nancy Perot & Rod Jones State Fair of Texas
Sharon and Kneeland Youngblood
YOU BELONG SPONSORS
Chris Ayres and Susan & Hollye Fisk
Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church Building Solutions
Suzanne Caruso and Mary Blake Meadows
Kathy Crow and Ann Mahowald
Dallas Mavericks
Brandy and Mark Drusch & Betty and Brian Schultz
Courtney and Michael Flanagan
Melissa and Trevor Fetter
James Haden and Rajani Kapu
Heroes Foundation
Ann and Lee Hobson
Invesco Real Estate
JPMorgan Chase Ashlee and Chris Kleinert
Mary Ann and Bob Marshall
Juliette and Mark Moussa
Rozene and Charley Pride
Mary and Tim Rooney
Deedie Rose
Abigail and Andrew Sinwell
Clara and Steve Smiley
Tina and Dan Stansbury
Tabani Family Foundation
The Men and Women of Hunt Consolidated, Inc.
Michael J. Todd, Esq. and Frederick D. Todd II, MD
