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Good Shepherd Celebrates Rev. Stanford Adams

By Anne DeVries

On the morning of Sunday, June 14, the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin’s Tarrytown neighborhood was filled with something beyond its typical Sunday service.

A secret, held for weeks, was being kept from the church’s lead Rector, the Rev. Stanford Adams, affectionately known to his congregation as Stanford.

Though Stanford thought it was a business-as-usual Sunday, after the 10:30 a.m. service on June 14th, the congregation gathered for a surprise celebration of a milestone a decade in the making: the 10-year anniversary of their beloved pastor at Good Shepherd. At the conclusion of the service, the Rev. Paige Alvarez Hanks, Senior Associate Rector, shared the news with Stanford and presented him with a box filled with anniversary messages gathered in secret from the congregation. “This is an offering of things people want to say to you about your ministry,” she told him, “and also so that you know, the clergy and staff love you too.”

A celebration followed, complete with an anniversary cake and the easy fellowship that defines a community at its best.

Stanford was visibly moved. Responding to the outpouring of affection, he addressed the congregation: “When I arrived 10 years ago, I knew this was a healthy and well-regarded parish, but what I didn’t know then was how much I would come to love you and respect you and care for you, and how much I would experience your love in return. You all are committed, generous, and willing to take risks, which is the service of being followers of Jesus. Thank you for the last 10 years. I am super excited about all of the years to come.”

O ur PATRON

That Stanford Adams would find his way to the pulpit at Good Shepherd is itself a remarkable story. Raised attending St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson, Mississippi, he earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.

As an ode to his alma

mater, Stanford recently had the honor of guest preaching at Princeton University Chapel, sharing the good news in one of the nation’s most renowned sacred spaces.

Following his time at Princeton and UT, he went on to practice healthcare law and to serve on the vestry of Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville, TN, and the cathedral chapter

of the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee.

In 2009, he stepped away from law to enter seminary at Sewanee: The University of the South, where he served as student body president and was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood in 2012. After a season of ministry in Tupelo, Mississippi, he returned to legal practice in San Antonio as Senior Counsel at HCA Healthcare. But the pull toward pastoral life remained.

When Good Shepherd came calling, Stanford was still working as a lawyer in San Antonio, driving to Austin on Sundays to help with services. Something shifted during this time.

“I realized once I started doing this how meaningful it is to be with people in the moments that are really significant,” he reflected, “where the biggest questions of life and meaning and purpose are on the surface of what is happen-

ing. I find so much meaning in those conversations and those times, and it is such an honor to be with people in those moments. That’s what drove my decision to be here.” He accepted a call to Good Shepherd as Senior Associate in 2017, later served as Vice Rector and Acting Rector, and was named Rector in 2025. A father of three, Max, Ellen, and Will, he serves on boards, including those of St. Stephen’s Episcopal School and the Seminary of the Southwest. Ten years in, Stanford Adams remains exactly where he says he belongs, among the people he has come to love, in a community that has come to love him right back. For Good Shepherd, it is a gift they clearly do not take for granted. Visit www.westaustinnews. com to see a video interview of Stanford Adams by West Austin News Summer Intern Alexa McGlathery.

La La Land Cafe

The installation of Rev. Stanford Adams as Good Shepherd’s seventh rector, with the Rt. Rev. Kathryn M. Ryan, Bishop Suffragan, and Bishop C. Andrew Doyle, ninth Bishop of Texas

Anne Jarvis and Rev. Stanford Adams Rev. Stanford Adams and J. Pieratt

Good Shepherd’s annual Blessing of the Animals, with Stanford blessing Coconut, the Aquilia family dog, and Jen and Eli Aquilia

Stanford Adams guest preaching at Princeton University Chapel

Good Shepherd clergy after Stanford’s installation as Good Shepherd’s seventh rector (Back Row): Rev. Mike Wyckoff, Rev. Ryan Boettcher, Rev. Leah Wise, Rev. Jonathan McManus-Dail (Front Row): Rev. Whitney Kirby, Rev. Brin Bon, Rev. Stanford Adams, Rev. Paige Alvarez Hanks, Very Rev. Cynthia Briggs Kittredge

Stanford being interviewed by WAN summer intern Alexa McGlathery Dr. Carol Pierce-Davis and Rev. Stanford Adams

Junior Warden Brannon Smith and Rev. Stanford Adams with Senior Warden Amy Paddock

Rev. Jonathan McDanus-Dail and Director of Program and Communications Jessica Riels

Stanford at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd

Around the Neighborhood:

Around the Neighborhood: opening expanding celebrating

Rena Pederson

BY FORREST PREECE

She’s been nominated for a Pulitzer, is on the Pulitzer board, has written five books, and spent 40 years at the Dallas Morning News. She is a legend in Dallas journalism and has been named one of the most powerful women in Texas.

She has interviewed world leaders, ridden on Air Force One with President George H.W. Bush, and had assignments in Iraq and Afghanistan. No doubt, West Austinite Rena Pederson could look back on it all, put down her pens, close her laptop, and spend a lot of time with her grandkids. But she’s doing research for a new book, which she promises will have some surprises. Like a lot of people I’ve interviewed, she set her career course early. As a grade-schooler in San Angelo, she asked her parents for a hand-crank printing device and started her own neighborhood newspaper to share with friends. Her first byline was a story headlined “Fluff the Cat Is Dead.”

By the time she was in high school, she was writing a Teen Beat column for the San Angelo Standard-Times, and then was on the police beat. She didn’t have a car, so when the police wanted to get her attention, they’d just drive up and honk. Her favorite officer was a big man called “Twinkletoes,” and he’d take her to crime scenes. One memory still haunts her -- when she was a junior in high school, she saw her first dead body while doing a story – someone had fallen into the Concho River and drowned. “It was a lot more interesting than hanging out at the Dairy Queen,” she says. While she attended UT in the 1960s, she wrote for The Daily Texan and then landed a job working for the San Antonio Express-News Capitol Bureau. “I’ve worked for newspapers most of my life,” Rena says. Then it was on to Columbia University in New York City for graduate school, where she worked two, and sometimes

three, jobs to make ends meet. She says it was a culture shock to be there dressed in her Texas-girl matching outfits when the other women had long hair and Vassar pedigrees.

After grad school, she came to Dallas, where she first worked for United Press International and then the Associated Press. After a stint in Washington, D.C., with the Houston Chronicle, she started her 40-year career with the Dallas Morning News. In her four decades at the paper, she worked on every section except for sports. For 16 eventful years, she was the editorial page editor. “I’ve talked with some of my colleagues from that era, and we agree that we were glad to have been there when working on a newspaper was so much fun.”

During that time, she came into contact with many prominent people. She says that Julia Child was a favorite because she was so entertaining. The most intriguing one was probably Fidel Castro. This interview came about when the American Society of Newspaper Editors (ASNE) sent

a team of newspaper editors to Cuba to persuade the island dictator to allow the Associated Press to establish a bureau in Havana. Rena flew there with the group of editors. She remembers that Castro kept the editors waiting and then talked for six hours straight. Rena laughs about it now, but he talked so long that she ran out of pages in her notebook and had to pull out her checkbook and start taking notes on it. She didn’t want to miss anything newsworthy he might say, she says.

Margaret Thatcher was another person she found to be fascinating. Rena once moderated a luncheon in Dallas where the former British Prime Minister was the featured guest. As the event was winding down, Rena asked her whether it was true that she slept only three hours a night when she was prime minister. She said, “Sometimes – but I’m leading the easy life now.” The next morning, Rena arrived at The News for a staff meeting at 8 am. The security guard told her that a very distinguished lady had dropped off a note for her about 6 a.m. In her office chair, Rena found a note on stationery “about a quarter-inch thick,” handwritten by Ms. Thatcher herself, saying thanks for her hospitality. Rena was impressed -- the “Iron Lady” still got up early.

Another interview that she cherishes was with Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, who inspired Burma’s (now Myanmar) first steps towards democracy. Rena says that this woman was the most impressive person she has ever interviewed. This encounter was the springboard for Rena’s well-received book The Burma Spring.

Now, about The King of Diamonds, Rena’s latest published book, which has been a touchstone for controversy and gossip in high society in Dallas and around the country. In case you haven’t heard of this book, it is based on the true story of the jewel thief who plied his trade in the most exclusive Dallas neighborhoods from 1955 to 1970. He worked with surgical precision, often sneaking into houses when he knew that the owners would be attending a ritzy function. He also knew exactly where the most valuable jewels were hidden. Sometimes he would break into a home when the residents had just returned from a formal affair, and he knew that fine jewelry would be left out in the open.

Rena started the book in 2015 and spent the next seven years working on it. It covers several possible characters who could have been the thief, but she rules them out one by one until she narrows it down to a person from a prominent Dallas family. There are so many good parts -- one vignette I liked was when a woman hosting her friends for dinner hears the thief upstairs telling the family dog to be quiet, calling it by name.

She has enjoyed the response that the book is receiving. In fact, “King of Diamonds” parties are popular in Dallas now. At one of these events, a couple came in dog costumes, because they were the dogs that didn’t bark. For another of these events, a husband came dressed as a debutante in a white

ballgown, while his wife wore a Hershey’s outfit, pretending to be stripper Candy Barr, who features in the book.

“The mystery turned out to be very psychological,” Rena says. Who would break into the homes of people they knew? And sometimes it seemed to be vindictive— on one occasion, he took only one of a pair of earrings, spoiling the set. Rena consulted with a psychologist at SMU, and she learned a lot about people with sociopathic personalities. In her mind, the Dallas thief was probably the best jewel thief in the country—and he was never caught. Now there is interest in making a movie based on the book, and Rena has some significant Hollywood figures interested in signing on for the project.

“How lucky am I to have had all this fun?” Rena says. And her next book may keep the buzz going.

Rena Pederson.

PHOTO CREDIT: BRENDA LADD

Clockwise from lower left: Laura Bush, Rena’s granddaughters Cecily Gish and Teddie Gish, her son Greg Gish,

granddaughter Tiny Gish, Rena.

Rena, far left, with Fidel Castro during an interview.

Summertime Memories

Compiled by Forrest Preece

Changing Scenery During The Pandemic

By Mary Herr Tally

Most unforgettable vacations usually include rooms with scenic views, concerts and shows, and photo-worthy cuisine at swanky restaurants—or the opposite: bushwack flyfishing in remote bear country or a boating excursion in Maui that you just know your guardian angels were working overtime that day.

But our most indelibly unforgettable getaway was in summer 2020 and lasted three years while the world paused due to the pandemic.

Since 2006, our home had been a highrise condo on Town Lake with sweeping views of Austin, but two months after the city had canceled SXSW, Rusty and I and our pup Annie went stir-crazy and realized that sheltering-in-place would last indefinitely.

So we rented a house we called The Enchanted Cottage, named after the 1945 classic film about the magical influence of place. Our new home was very private, a two-story river-stone situated on a cliff about 30 feet above Lake Travis with a stone pool and expansive views of blue sky and water and sunsets so stunning you couldn’t look away.

But we also experienced the worst Texas storms at the Enchanted Cottage, with howling tropical storms and scary tornadic winds that sent us running to the stone hallway. We also

had a ghost downstairs and would hear him during the night moving our kitchen chairs across the floor or messing with the glassware on our bar cart, so loudly at times that we’d wake up and listen. Then during Snowmageddon 2021, when we lost power and water for several days, the ghost appeared one morning. He looked like a man in his 70s with a messenger bag across his chest, either confused or not happy as we’d taken over his downstairs to be near the fireplace.

The pandemic years were truly the worst of times, yet somehow Rusty and I found a beautiful, quirky paradise that turned an uncertain time into a magical adventure.

“Civil War Chaos in Texas. The Tumultuous Tenure of Governor Pendleton Murrah,” by Lori Duran

Have you ever wondered what life was like in Texas during the Civil War? Lori Duran has written a book, “Civil War Chaos in Texas,” that describes life in our town and all of the state during that era. The central figure in the book is Pendleton Murrah, the Texas Governor from November 1863 through the middle of 1865, when the war was over.

Murrah was a complicated and brave man — born into questionable circumstances, he traveled to Providence, Rhode Island, earned a degree from Brown University, and then returned to Texas to practice law. After becoming involved in politics, he was eventually elected governor. Tubercular most of his life, he still found the energy to manage the massive task of keeping the state together. That was no easy job, with the inevitability of the Confederate defeat bearing down and the constant demands of the South’s generals for resources, while they conscripted more men for their cause. Then there was the matter of having to pay for things with almost worthless Confederate currency.

One theme that runs throughout the book is the conflict between prominent figures who realized secession was doomed to fail and those who supported leaving the Union. Many important Texans opposed secession — including Sam Houston himself. In the words of successful San Antonio businessman Charles Anderson, secession was a “colossal blunder and crime.” He later had to sell off his assets at a loss when a Confederate posse imprisoned him. Outspoken pro-Unionist politician A.J. Hamilton had to pack up his family and flee to Mexico. Hamilton later returned to Brownsville at the end of 1863 to establish a Union administration — an office that was abandoned a few months later. Two years after that, he returned as the Reconstruction Governor of the state.

Life in Austin during the Civil War was difficult, and this book offers some remarkable insights. British writer Amelia Barr lived here at the time and recorded details of daily existence. For instance, shoes were so scarce that many

people went barefoot, and moccasins were often worn outside the house. The few stores that were open were poorly stocked. There was no coffee to be had, and people used “parched rye, okra, or acorns in place of coffee beans.” As for life around town, she noted in June 1865 that men just loafed in the streets and made camps in the corn fields. The prevailing atmosphere at that point was impatience for the Union military to arrive and end the miserable state of affairs. In places like Fredericksburg, factions on opposing sides of the conflict often clashed. The militia tasked with maintaining law and order was overwhelmed. Then there was the problem of guarding against Indian attacks from Comanches and Kiowas, plus army renegades. As for Murrah, on June 11, 1865, he fled to Mexico with some other notable figures, and that same day, bandits broke into the Texas Treasury and robbed it, which remains “one of the state’s greatest mysteries,” in the author’s words. Chaos reigned during this tumultuous time, and Duran describes it all with flair. Duran did a masterful, painstaking job of research for this book — it is full of details that bring the story home. It’s an engrossing read, and I recommend it for anyone who enjoys insight into the origins of our state and the Capital City.

• Large inventory of wood, 3” to 16” widths, engineered or solid • Unfinished or prefinished • Stairways, computer cut patterns, ceilings, and countertops • Sand & Finish

Large inventory of wood, 3" to 16" widths, engineered or solid Unfinished or prefinished Stairways, computer cut patterns, ceilings, and countertops

Civil War Chaos in Texas. An interesting look at a turbulent time in Texas history.

Author Lori Duran

Rusty and Mary Tally

The Enchanted Cottage offered quite a view.

BiG: Redefining What’s Possible for Adults with DisAbilities

By Anne DeVries

The BiG Community, known as BiG, was founded to change the way the world views adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its inspiration stemmed from a mother’s love and commitment to find meaning in her daughter’s life.

Gracie, the youngest of Erin and John Kiltz’s three children, was born in 1992 with Down syndrome. At age two, she was diagnosed with leukemia, and a year into chemotherapy, contracted a triple bacterial infection that stopped her heart for 20 minutes.

She survived, but doctors warned she would never smile again. Her older brother and sister prayed each night that her smile would return, and it did. In 2010, Gracie was elected Homecoming Queen at Georgetown High School, a moment that made national headlines, and posed a question to her mother, Erin: “What’s next for Gracie?”

In 2011, Erin Kiltz founded BiG to give her daughter a place to belong. The organization is modeled after the Brookwood Community outside Houston, a God-centered vocational and residential community for adults with disabilities. Visits by Erin provided the roadmap: a way to build a similar community for Gracie and her friends, teaching them

business focus, generating income for the Citizens’ ongoing needs.

will help fund the residential community.

skills, providing meaningful work, and generating income to sustain their future lives, support that cannot always come from parents they may outlive.

Gracie passed away on September 8, 2018, at age 26, but her legacy lives on. Today, BiG operates four campuses, including one in downtown Austin located in The University Avenue Church of Christ, and serves more than 100 Citizens, the term BiG uses for adults in its program. Citizens work in the BiG retail shop and attached cafe, create pottery and original art, or bake

for the shop, online store, and Tomlinson’s in Austin, each participating in a vocational program built around their strengths.

BiG’s mission, in Kiltz’s words, is “to change the way the world views this population.”

Kiltz, a former interior designer, is an extraordinary visionary. Though she credits BiG’s growth to the surrounding community and staff, her high standards are the backbone of an undertaking that is now expanding to include a small events venue near the BiG Cafe. Each addition has a

Kiltz and BiG’s largest undertaking is a residential community 6 miles outside Georgetown, named Grace Place in her daughter’s honor. On this 127-acre site, Citizens can reside in their own private tiny home if independence allows, or in a home with on-site supervision. At full capacity, Grace Place will permanently be a home to 80 Citizens and staff, addressing what Kiltz calls the greatest fear of any special-needs parent: what happens when they are no longer here to provide care.

BiG is now raising $12 million to add a chapel and events space to Grace Place, and is waiting to break ground until the full amount is raised. Weddings booked at the chapel

A drive into Grace Place is a joyful experience. Past the stone gate, the road is flanked by fields of sunflowers planted by local farmers, a symbol in BiG’s branding of its acceptance of unique individuals. The grounds may eventually include a Pick-Your-Own Sunflower patch, a Modern-Day Drive-in Movie Theater, and more, all open to the community and functioning as work opportunities for Citizens.

Much of BiG’s operating gap is closed each year through its golf benefit, held every Columbus Day, where nearly 100 Citizens, each captaining a fundraising team, ask friends and sponsors to help cover the $10,000 gap between tuition and actual cost.

BiG’s other major fund-

BiG Citizen Sarah, engaged in glazing a lotus dish

Long-time Volunteer Peggy Currie with BIG Citizen Katie

BiG Citizen Emma getting ready to mix dough to make dog treats available at Tomlinson’s in Austin

Inside of the BiG Shop with Citizen-made items on display

Erin Kiltz and her daughter Gracie “I was put on this planet to be a mother to our 3 children and escort Gracie through her journey. Now, BiG is God’s assignment for my life.” — Erin Kiltz

The “Amazing Grace” Statue donated by the Kiltz Family

raiser is its annual art auction, featuring more than 150 original works created by Citizens alongside professional artist-coaches, who contribute no more than 10% of the design expertise to any piece. Attendees have mistaken pieces for donated art, only to learn they were made entirely by a Citizen and coach.

In addition to the ongoing operations of the BiG Cafe and Shop, the online store, the events center, and the buildout of Grace Place, the staff at BiG is committed to sharing their model with other locations across the US. They have helped found 11 other sites in 9 different states as part of their Replication program, led by Founder Erin Kitlz. BiG’s energy, loving atmosphere, and standard of excellence are best appreciated in person. Tours are offered weekly and can be scheduled at https://BiGtx.org/take-a-BiGtour. As an alternative, stop by the BiG Cafe and Shop next time you travel north of Austin on Rt. 35 (exit 262 toward Williams Dr.). You’ll be glad you did.

By Alana Moehring Mallard

Seven students from five West Austin schools won National Merit scholarships this year, with a couple of those scholarships sponsored by corporations and colleges.

Caleb Kim and Ella McKenna from Regents School received National Merit Scholarship awards. Ella’s award was sponsored by Texas A&M University where she will probably study electrical engineering, and Caleb plans to study bioengineering.

From McCallum High School, Anna Ward and Shoshanna Witchel also received National Merit Scholarship awards, with Anna planning to study aerospace

Presley Kuo, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School

Caleb Kim, Regents School

Anna Ward, McCallum High School

Annie Ehrlich, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School

Ella McKanna, Regents School

Shoshanna Witchel, McCallum High School

Phoebe Miller, Austin High School

The BiG Cafe and Shop at exit 262 toward Williams Dr, in Georgetown

Rendering of Grace Place Chapel and Events Space

The entrance to Grace Place, outside of Georgetown

The Sunflower Room Events Space next to the BiG Cafe and Shop in Georgetown

The 1900 Wealth Management Austin team, from left: Jake Allison, Matt Richter, Melissa Anderson, J. Sulester, Ashton Motes

MJ&M Celebration Marks a Year of Impact

Mack, Jack & McConaughey (MJ&M) celebrated another incredible year in April with two days packed with exciting activities, including concerts, a golf tournament, and a fashion show. Over its 14 years, MJ&M has raised more than $90 million for 5 charitable Austin organizations dedicated to children’s education, health, and wellness, cementing its position as one of the country’s most impactful philanthropic initiatives.

The joint fundraising venture, created by Texas coaching legend Mack Brown, ACM Award-winning recording artist Jack Ingram, and Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey, supports CureDuchenne, Dell Children’s Medical Center, HeartGift, just keep livin Foundation, and The Rise School of Austin.

Thursday night’s events set the tone for the two-day celebration with a star-studded concert and gala at ACL Live at The Moody Theatre, featuring an unforgettable headline performance by three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Jelly Roll. Known widely for his commitment to giving back, Jelly Roll’s performance aligned seamlessly with the spirit of MJ&M’s philanthropic mission.

Friday’s fashion show, presented by Neiman Marcus and hosted by Camila Alves McConaughey, Sally Brown, and Jessica Bush, spotlighted women’s fashion brand

L’AGENCE in a captivating runway show.

The signature Jack & Friends concert held Friday evening served as the triumphant finale, bringing together some of the most distinctive voices in Americana and country music for what Brown, Ingram, and McConaughey called the best night of music of the year. The all-star lineup appearing with Ingram included Ryan Bingham, Kaitlin Butts, Paul Cauthen, Robert Earl Keen, John Fullbright, Randy Rogers, and more.

“Jack & Friends” has become one of the most meaningful nights of the year for all of us on stage,” said Ingram. “It’s a true celebration of community and music, and knowing it helps drive real impact for kids makes it even more special. I’m grateful to every artist, partner and guest who showed up and helped make this year’s event unforgettable.”

Brown added, “This year’s incredible success means even more children will receive critical support through the work of our beneficiary organizations. Every year I’m reminded of what’s possible when people come together with heart and commitment, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this our most impactful event yet.”

“What continues to inspire me every year is how this event brings people together with purpose,” said McConaughey.

“We get to share incredible

moments at the gala, golf tournament, concerts and more, but at the center of it all are the kids and families we’re serving. I’m grateful for everyone who leaned in this year and helped move the mission forward in such a meaningful way.”

Funds raised during this year’s events will have a transformative impact on the

Dr.

BY FORREST PREECE

Joaquin Delgado

High Technology Executive/Arts Leader

1. What’s something about you that not many people know?

In high school, I learned traditional Basque dance.

2. What was your first job?

An officer in the Army of Spain

3. You can have dinner with three people – dead or alive, any time in history— who would they be?

My mother, father, and brother: I could not have enough dinners with them while they were alive.

4. What’s on your music playlist?

A little bit of everything and a lot of classical guitar music.

5. Favorite book and/or TV show? For books: “Memoirs of Hadrian” by Marguerite Yourcenar. This is a book about the life and reflections on life of Roman Emperor Hadrian. Yourcenar writes this book as a testamentary letter by Emperor Hadrian to his successor, Marcus Aurelius. It is as beautifully written as it is deep. My brother introduced me to this book.

a book by the same title written by Vladimir Arseniev. It provides a wonderful window into how the same moments in nature are perceived by different people, shaped by their life experiences, and how those experiences shape the bonds they create among humans.

7. What makes you happy?

To learn, to create, and to give.

8. Favorite place in Austin?

The Butler Trail

9. Favorite restaurant in Austin?

Uhmmm! Difficult to answer, but I like to go to Uchiba, The Kimberly, and Jeffrey’s

directly supporting critical programs for children across Texas and beyond.

For more information, please visit www.mjm2026. com or follow along on Instagram at @mackjackmcconaughey.

As for TV shows, my all-time favorites are all the different Star Trek series. I started watching them when I was a child: “Live long and prosper.”

6. Most powerful movie that you have seen?

“Dersu Uzala,” directed by Akira Kurosawa, based on

10. What living person do you most admire?

Each of the people who put their lives at risk for the well-being of others.

11. Best advice you ever received?

Run the experiment.

Dr. Joaquin Delgado

five beneficiary organizations,

Miranda Lambert and Tracey Marshall Gina Reese and Lauren Zima

Tony Bragalone and Tina Bizar

Liz Rose, Reba McEntire, and Lori McKenna

Paris Holt, Devin Young, Justin Mathis, and Jeff Williams

Tara Rudes Dann, Sally Brown, Camila Alves McConaughey, and Jessica Bush

Mack Brown, Jack Ingram, Jelly Roll, Matthew McConaughey

Knox Kronenberg, Wendy and Allen Topfer

Lindsay Buckholz, Lyn Vogt, and Kristina Lackey

Amber Koehler, Loreal Sarkisian, and Angela Garcia

The Brave Lads Riding: Festivals of Yore Series (Imagined)

“A Cavalcade of Worthies” — “That’s what it will be,” boomed President of the Republic Mirabeau B. Lamar, describing his vision for the very first “Brave Lads Riding” festival to be held in Austin. “They’ve been doing it in the Borders of Scotland since the disastrous Battle of Flodden in 1513,” he went on, gesturing expansively. “It’s a way to ride the boundaries to protect their lands and prevent encroachment.”

It was early 1841, in Lamar’s office. The President was expanding on his vision for a “Common Riding” to secure the boundaries of Austin, the Capital of the Republic of Texas.

“Just last year we experienced the Skirmish at Plum Creek,” Lamar explained, examining a map of Austin and environs spread out on his desk. “Those plundering Comanches went all the way down to the port of Linnville on the Texas coast. Our brave Texas Ranger boys rallied and stopped their return outside Lockhart.”

“We must remain vigilant against encroachment,” Lamar cried. “To add fuel to the fire, the government in Mexico City, again led by the crafty Santa Anna, plunderer of The Alamo, is threatening to send yet another army to retake Texas.”

The date for the “Brave Lads Riding” was set for early June before the summer heat set in. (Of course, this never really happened. But if it had, it surely might have been like this.) Two “posses” of “Brave Riders” assembled at the Capitol block at the head of Congress Avenue. The ladies of the town had set up long refectory tables laden with refreshments. A cup of brandied milk punch and a plate of corncakes were presented to each rider for sustenance. A brass band from the German School struck up, intending to accompany the procession as far as feasible. Flower garlands were placed around the necks of the riders and their proud mounts by the youngest and most comely of the town’s giggling girls.

As planned, the stalwarts were to ride a bit beyond the original borders of Austin that Edwin Waller had laid out in 1836, only five years previously. Austin had not sufficiently spread out to fill in the city blocks that had been envisioned, but it was growing. Brandishing their arms to the music of pistol fire and the drums of the brass band, the “Calvacade of Worthies” (and some not so worthy, it must be confessed) set out in the early morning from “Capitol Square.”

At the head of the parade, predictably, was President Lamar, his long dark hair gleaming, a rakish plume of white waterfowl feathers sprouting from his broad-brimmed hat.

Close behind, jockeying for a lead position, was former President Sam Houston, wearing an equally ambitious hat and his famous leopard skin vest. Other worthies included Land Commissioner Thomas William “Peg Leg” Ward, who had to

be strapped onto his horse because of his missing leg. Richard Bullock, owner of the Bullock House, Austin’s first hotel, competed with Angelina Eberly, proprietor of the Eberly Inn, who insisted on riding with the men, at least partway. Those feisty Texas women would not be left behind! With whoops and yells and a cheering crowd throwing hats in the air and twirling parasols, they set out, just as the sun was peeking over the eastern horizon.

The riders headed north on Congress Avenue past North Avenue (now 15th Street) to wild, open territory. There they paused and divided into two groups. With hearty “halloes,” one group headed east, the other west. After reaching certain landmarks, both parties planned to turn south. All in all,

it would be a day’s ride. Encountering neither serious obstacles nor dangerous intruders, the eastern riders forded Waller Creek, ascended the gentle rise of land and entered the edge of the fertile, softly rolling plains that would prove such abundant crop land. Reaching Decker Creek with no impediments, they watered their horses and turned smartly south, keeping the volcanic remnants of distant Pilot Knob firmly in their sights. Their destination was Edward Burleson’s place. Colonel Burleson had helped defeat the Comanches at Plum Creek the year before and had just been elected Vice President of the Republic of Texas. He would be ready with more refreshments for the weary “Guardians of the Gates.”

President Lamar led the western-headed Mount Bonnell party. When on that bright morning they arrived at the imposing site where rose the Balcones Fault, Lamar insisted on riding to the top of the mountain in order to gain perspective. The Comanches famously were known to watch Austin from the hills above. Brandishing a spy glass, Lamar wished to get the jump on any lurking spies.

“All clear, boys,” Lamar cried, as he practically tumbled back down the hill. He was now joined by George W. Bonnell, owner of the mountain,

“WHOLLY

Your humble author has just returned from a month-long trip to Scotland, which included attending “The Braw Lads and Lassies” Common Riding in Galashiels, the largest town in the Scottish Borders region. Since 1513, following the disastrous at

AND

publisher of the newspaper, the Texas Sentinel, and yet another hero of the Republic of Texas.

Around noon, the eastern riders turned north from Burleson’s place heading toward the Colorado River. They forded the mighty stream at the nearest low water crossing. Later, herds of cattle would cross the Colorado at such places, heading toward markets far above Texas.

Skirting below the Balcones Fault, the western party headed south over the rolling terrain. It was hard going. When they finally forded the Colorado at Shoal Creek and reached the cool waters of Billy Barton’s Springs, they were more than ready for rest and refreshment. Alas, Barton had died the year before, but many of his six children were there to welcome the “Brave Lads” of Austin, with

FANCIFUL

TOTALLY WHIMSICAL”

Mirabeau B. Lamar in his office PUBLIC DOMAIN

more than just cool water, it can be supposed, and perhaps some venison jerky.

Just as the sun began to sink over the west in a bright red glow, both groups converged at the foot of Congress Avenue, to ride triumphantly up the wide boulevard to assemble on the Capitol grounds.

President Lamar took the lead, crying to the citizens lining the street, “The borders of Austin are secure.” The redoubtable band was greeted by an even larger cheering crowd and more trestle tables full of foodstuffs (and drink!). The plumes in their hats were still gallantly waving. Their faces were red. These men were not in the first flush of youth, it must be recalled. But Austin’s First (and doubtless last) Common Riding of the Brave Lads was successful!

Postscript: Later in the month, June 19th, President

1984 Crossing the Tweed, “Braw Lads and Lassies” Gathering in Galashiels, Scotland FROM THE WEBSITE: HTTPS://WWW.THEBRAWLADSGATHERING.CO.UK/

Lamar would bid farewell to Texans embarking on the disastrous Santa Fe Expedition. Was the “Brave Lads Riding” a small-scale precursor? Did Lamar use the Riding as an opportunity to lobby for the Expedition? We’ll never know, because the “Brave Lads Riding” of The Capital of Texas is Wholly Fanciful and Totally Whimsical. Hurrah for Scotland! Hurrah for Texas!

NWACA 4th of July Parade Celebrates Nation’s 250th

The Northwest Austin Civic Association (NWACA) hosted its annual Fourth of July Parade and Freedom Fest, drawing record-breaking crowds and enthusiastic community participation.

The celebration is one of the largest 4th of July events hosted in Austin and features marching groups like the Lawn Chair Brigade, float contests with cash prizes, and a post-parade festival with live music and family-friendly activities.

“The Northwest Hills Parade is a tradition my family has enjoyed for more than 50 years,” said Judge Elizabeth Earle. “It brings the entire community together.”

This year’s Grand Marshal, Mayor Kirk Watson, led the opening ceremony – Sheriff Sally Hernandez thanked first responders and led the crowd in a moment of silence to honor the lives lost in the July 4 2025, Central Texas Floods.

Leading this year’s parade was 104-year-old decorated World War II veteran Colonel Joe McPhail, who served as the Honorary Grand Marshal.

Following McPhail were the Jewish

War Veterans and several other veteran organizations, Scout members, Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam, portrayed by Judge Amy Meachum and Brewster McCracken, and Northwest Austin Civic Association Board members, who tossed candy to spectators along the route.

Many decorative floats lined the parade and were entered in the Float Contest. The float “In Delores We Trust” took home the top prize.

Finally, the Lawn Chair Brigade dazzled parade-goers with their zany costumes and spirited cheers.

“This year was my 20th year participat-

ing in the Lawnchair Brigade,” Earle said. “It was a thrill to wear a dress my mother made and wore in the Parade in 1976.”

The parade ended at Doss Elementary School, where NWACA hosted a fun-filled Freedom Fest. Over 30 NWACA Business Members hosted booths with games, prizes, food, and drinks.

“Traditions are important to communities, and I’m thankful the Northwest Hills Parade has continued to be an important event every summer,” Judge Earle said.

Grand Marshal Mayor Kirk Watson

Child scooping up tossed candy along the parade route

Live music by Shotguns Ready

The Lawn Chair Brigade entertaining parade attendees

Antique Car showcased in the parade

Realtor Carol Dochen and incoming NWACA Board President Sandy Dochen two-stepping to Shotguns Ready

Winning Float “In Delores We Trust” Scouts lead Grand Marshal Mayor Kirk Watson, Sheriff Sally Hernandez, Councilman Marc Duchen, and the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance

Muny’s 19th Hole: A Day and Night on the Greens

Austin’s historic Lions Municipal Golf Course was the setting for the 2026 Muny Conservancy’s annual 19th Hole Party, held on May 8. Living up to its reputation as “Best Community Party of the Year,” this year’s celebration featured the first-ever Muny Cup Golf Tournament, along with a sold-out Sporty Sunset Soirée.

The Muny faithful gathered for a festive afternoon on the greens, where kids enjoyed face painting and balloon art while adults tested their swings at Acre Golf’s trailer-hitch putting activation, Daddy Shack’s mobile golf simulator, and Tito’s “sink-thebottle” putting contest.

Players hit the links early for the tournament, with Mark Williams, Michael Williams, Justin Williams and Marc Carrizales making history as the first Muny Cup champions.

Delectable eats came courtesy of Tivity, Housepark BBQ, Cisco’s, and Thundercloud

Subs. Marfa Spirit Co, Big Hat Spirits, Suncruiser, Ranch Rider, and Tito’s offered refresh-

ing spirits, while Boomerang, Rambler, and Me & The Bees Lemonade provided non-alcoholic options.

As golden hour set the sky ablaze, guests gathered under the oaks to celebrate the course that has defined the Austin community for more than a century. Angel White and Gary P. Nunn kept the crowd dancing well into the evening.

One of the night’s most memorable moments came when Muny Conservancy Co-Chair Scotty Sayers announced that the Muny Ballroom would be officially renamed the Mary Arnold Ballroom, a tribute to the legendary Austinite who has been fighting to save Lions Municipal Golf Course since 1972.

Summing up the spirit of the event, Nunn said it best: “Anyone who could ever think they can develop this property must be out of their minds. Who would wanna do that? It’s not just a golf course. It’s a piece of Austin’s soul, and we’re fighting to keep it for generations to come.”

PHOTOS BY TYLER SCHMITT

Marcia and Ron Macha

Dresdynn Warnell and Tyler Feldman

Samantha Bernstein and Tracy Dombeck

Mark Williams, Justin Williams, Michael Williams, and Marc Carrizales

Mack Brown, Sally Brown, Erik Lopez, and Chris Jessee

Scotty Sayers and Winfield Sampley

Tommy Norris and Jamie Kizer

Turk Pipkin

Angel White

Gary P. Nunn

Mary Arnold

Noel Bridges

SAWA Garden Party Supports Rathgeber Center

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Austin hosted its 5th Annual Spring Garden Party of Tablescapes and Style Show on May 1 at the Fairmont Hotel, welcoming more than 500 guests and raising over $200,000. In honor of its fifth year of celebrating compassionate giving, the event embraced the theme “Compassion No 5, The Fragrance of Giving”.

Attendees enjoyed tablescapes designed by 40 of Austin’s premier designers and artists, transforming the ballroom into a luxury gallery of inspired table designs. The afternoon also featured a fashion runway show sponsored by Austin’s The Garden Room.

Funds raised at the event support families working their way out of homelessness and poverty through The Salvation Army Rathgeber Center for Families, named after its benefactors, Dick and Sarah Rathgeber.

The Rathgeber Center maintains an 88% success rate, defined by families securing employment, stabilizing finances, completing counseling, and moving into independent permanent housing. Each family works with a dedicated Case Manager who guides them

through tailored support in education, health, and financial stability over 6–18 months. After exiting, families continue to receive resources for up to two years, helping sustain long-term independence.

The Women’s Auxiliary of Austin was chartered six years ago under the direction of Major Jacqulyn Reckline, Area Commander, and thrives under the leadership of Linda Dryden, President.

To support the Salvation Army, visit salvationarmyaustin.org.

Students Honor Veterans at Honor Flight Austin

By Alexa McGlathery

The Aviation and Aerospace Club at St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School (SMCP) attended the Honor Flight Austin ceremony at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on May 16, 2026. Honor Flight Austin provides complimentary trips to Washington, D.C., where U.S veterans visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.

These journeys are offered completely free of charge as a way to express gratitude for the bravery, dedication, and selflessness of those who served our country.

“I found Honor Flight to be incredibly uplifting and inspiring,” said Chris McGlathery, a junior at SMCP and Founder of the Aviation and Aerospace Club. “I very much enjoy what Honor Flight has done and continues to do for our United States veterans.”

The SMCP students greeted 40 war veterans from Honor Flight Trip

and passed out American

in a

SMPS Junior Chris McGlathery with 102-year-old Westlake resident and World War II veteran pilot Lew Griffith

ST. MICHAEL’S

Salvation Army Area Commanders Majors

Lewis and Jacqulyn Reckline

Marsha Mayfield Lockett and Meredith Lewis Jessica Vessels

The Scout Guide Shannon Bland

Kami Cooper, Jamille Ruebsahm,

Meghan Sayers, Shannon Elmquist, Erin Stonebrook, Katie Agness, and Summer Crown

Kakin Nichols, Lara Taylor, and Christy Caffrey

Jennifer Santos, Mary Beth Parker, Cheryl Kitchen, Jill Durkee, Anne Monnig, Major Jacqulyn Reckline, Meredith Lewis, Susan Smalling, Linda Dryden, Diana Patterson, Jenny Joppling, and Mahin Barker

Sara Colburn, Ashley Fowler, and Diana Patterson

Great Futures Luncheon Opens Doors for Opportunity

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area (BGCAA) hosted its annual Great Futures Luncheon on May 1 with an inspiring and powerful message: Great Leaders Start Here. A record-breaking $413,000 was raised to expand opportunities and broaden impact for Austin area youth.

Board Member and CBS Sports college football analyst Brian Jones served as emcee and joined former Texas Longhorn quarterback Vince Young for an on-stage conversation on qualities that shape lives on and off the field. Young shared personal stories about his journey at UT and beyond, while Jones connected those experiences to the potential and promise of young people across Austin.

Garret Heer, a former participant in the BCGAA Ladders for Leaders program, spoke about his experience of participating in the program, which is designed to help young people gain real-world work experience and build professional skills. Garret spoke about the value of the opportunity, the skills and confidence he gained, and the doors it opened for his future.

A powerful video introduced attendees to Navarro Boys & Girls Club teen H’Sanii B., the 2026 Youth of the Year Runner-Up. He shared how

mentorship, encouragement, and support from BGCAA led him to the Youth of the Year experience and ultimately to Washington, D.C. to advocate for Boys & Girls Clubs and reflect on the impact of his journey.

H’Sanii said, “There are other kids in Austin right now… just like me. They don’t need everything to be perfect. They just need a place like the Club. I’m standing here because someone opened that door for me and didn’t let me walk away from it.”

CEO Zenae Campbell highlighted BGCAA’s 59 year partnership with the Austin community and emphasized how the organization is shaping not only local lives, but influ-

encing outcomes across Texas and the nation by expanding opportunities for youth.

Campbell said, “This work, behind our blue door, is shaping futures. Leaders are developed. And it doesn’t start

later. It starts the moment a young person begins to believe their voice matters and their future is worth investing in.”

As the afternoon came to a close, guests raised their paddles in a powerful show

of generosity and belief in the BGCAA mission to invest in the next generation of leaders. Because of the support of partners, donors, and friends, more young people in the region will have access to safe spaces, car-

ing mentors, and life-changing opportunities that help them discover their voice and develop their leadership potential. For more information or to volunteer at Boys and Girls Clubs, go to bgcaustin.org.

Vince Young, BGCAA CEO Zenae Campbell, BGCAA Youth of the Year Runner-Up H’Sanii B., BGCAA Board

Member Brian Jones, and Garret Heer

Patrick Patterson, Tara Kirkland, and BGCAA Director of Strategic

Partnerships Paul Turner Travis County Commissioner Jeff Travillion, Precinct One, and Perri Travillion

Valerie Cromer, Dr. James Broaddus, Franco van Heijningen, Alex Gonzales, Sarah Sarnelli, and Greg Hughes

Bianna Bright, LaKissa Bright, Ladders for Leaders Advisory

Chair Genail Marthol, and Ladders for Leaders Intern Ryia B.

Tiffany Guajardo

Spencer, BGCAA

Member Liz Gilman, Ted Gilman, and Avery House

BGCAA Board Chair Raj Doshi, Ken Corby and Candice Corby

BGCAA Club Member Atal M., Chet Garner, Laura Garner, and BGCAA Junior Youth of the Year Runner-Up Valentina S.

Diane Little, Martha Williams, Eldarose Cardenas, Celeste Hubert, Monica Davis, Renae Alsobrook, Kathleen Hamilton, and Linda Godinez

Kerry Moore, John Minter, Terrell Gates, Grayson Gates and TJ Williams.

BGCAA Board Member Brian Jones, BGCAA Club Members Al’Briya W. and Alexzanderia W., BGCAA CEO Zenae Campbell, Junior Youth of the Year Abigail P., Junior Youth of the Year Runner-Up Valentina S., BGCAA Club

Member Heidi R., Vince Young, and BGCAA Club Member Atal M.

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Our holistic approach combines challenging academics with a nurturing environment, inspiring lifelong learning.

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90 Faculty/staff with advanced degrees

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At St. Michael’s Prep, personalized instruction and cutting-edge, innovative programs spark curiosity, strengthen critical thinking, and empower each student to reach their highest potential. We prepare faith-filled leaders who are prepped for life and committed to making meaningful contributions to society. St. Michael’s Prep Where Integrity, Courage, and Excellence Thrive Visit us at smcprep.org

LuxuryOff-Market Listings

2026 ADMIRALS CLUB ROYALTY

THE QUEEN AND HER ROYAL ATTENDANTS

Queen Kennedy Grace Jastrow

Princess Loula Ferguson Aycock

Princess Charlotte Bremond Burns

Princess Mary Yeates Fish

Princess Hardin Lea Hanson

Princess Melanie Margaret Kocurek

Princess Madeline Patricia Marks

Princess Ellis Kendall Sartain

Princess Cora Christiana Strehli

ROYAL COURT DUCHESSES

Duchess Abigail Elizabeth Bale

Duchess Lee Clare McIntyre Bogart

Duchess Nina Lenora Galbraith

Duchess Lillian Clark Graham

Duchess Mary Lyndell Graham

Duchess Helena Elizabeth Heath

Duchess Anna Elisabeth Hegi

Duchess Joan Stroube Henson

Duchess Georgia Elise Junell

Duchess Lily Josephine Keisler

Duchess Jacqueline Hollie Landrith

Duchess Lauren Elizabeth Loeffler

Duchess Madison Salem Matthews

Duchess Julia Jensen Morstead

Duchess Ramey Rose Saba

Duchess Kathleen Brooks Searcy

Duchess Julia Grace Sherman

Duchess Margaret Elaine Watler

Duchess Camille Elizabeth Weber

Duchess Ava Grace Weill

July 31- August 1, 2026, marks the 65th Admirals Club Coronation Ball weekend. In addition to honoring the Austin Royalty, the Admirals Club will present 20 visiting Duchesses from communities throughout our great State of Texas.

The annual cocktail party will be hosted on Friday evening at the Driskill Hotel. Afterwards, The Austin Royalty, our visiting Duchesses and their Escorts will enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lady Bird Lake.

The Coronation will be held on Saturday night at the JW Marriott Hotel with a seated dinner, along with wonderful music provided by the Little Big Band. Following the presentation, guests will be treated to dancing to the sounds of Limelight Band from Dallas, Texas.

2025 ADMIRALS CLUB ROYALTY Queen Anne Olivia

Queen Kennedy Grace

from the House of Small

from the House of Jastrow

Daughter of Admiral & Mrs. Edward Clinton Small, Jr. of Austin. Annie attends Dartmouth College, where she is pursuing a degree in Politics, Philosophy & Economics and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Annie’s escort is Jack Alan Carr, son of Admiral and Mrs. Scott Alan Carr of Austin. Jack attends The University of Texas.

Daughter of Fleet Admiral & Mrs. Corbin Thomas Jastrow of Austin. Kennedy attends TCU, where she is pursuing a degree in Nursing and is a member of Delta Delta Delta. Kennedy’s escort is Hudson Reed Donovan, son of Admiral & Mrs. John Peterson Donovan of Austin. Hudson attends Texas A&M University.

2026 Admirals Club Royalty

Princess Loula Ferguson

from the House of Aycock

Daughter of Admiral & Mrs. Steven Douglas Aycock of Austin. Loula attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Government and is a member of Pi Beta Phi. Loula’s escort is Robert Nolen Bridges, son of Admiral & Mrs. Robert Triesch Bridges of Austin. Robert attends The University of Texas.

Princess Mary Yeates

from the House of Fish

Daughter of Fleet Admiral & Mrs. Laurens B. Fish III of Austin. May attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Communications and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. May’s escort is John Carpenter Erickson, son of Admiral & Mrs. Stephen Elias Erickson of Austin. John attends The University of Texas.

Princess Charlotte Bremond

from the House of Burns

Daughter of Admiral & Mrs. John Simeon Burns of Austin. Charlotte attends Texas A&M University, where she is pursuing a degree in Education and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Charlotte’s escort is Price Johnson Daniel, son of Admiral & Mrs. Thomas Houston Daniel of Austin. Price attends The University of Texas.

Princess Hardin Lea

from the House of Hanson

Daughter of Admiral & Mrs. Benjamin Michael Hanson of Austin. Hardin attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Nursing and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Hardin’s escort is Harrison Louis Deane, son of Admiral & Mrs. Michael Daniel Deane of Austin. Harry attends The University of Texas.

2026 Admirals Club Royalty

Princess Melanie Margaret

from the House of Kocurek

Daughter of Admiral & Mrs. Jeffrey Neal Kocurek of Austin. Melanie attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Business and is a member of Pi Beta Phi. Melanie’s escort is William Wilder Davenport, Jr., son of Admiral & Mrs. William Wilder Davenport of Austin. Wilder attends The University of Texas.

Princess Ellis Kendall

from the House of Sartain

Daughter of Admiral & Mrs. Russell Tarkington Sartain of Austin. Ellis attends University of Colorado Boulder, where she is pursuing a degree in Communications and is a member of Chi Omega. Ellis’s escort is Langley Tarkington Sartain, son of Admiral & Mrs. Russell Tarkington Sartain of Austin. Langley attends Texas Christian University.

Princess Madeline Patricia

from the House of Marks

Daughter of Admiral & Mrs. Alan Edward Marks of Austin. Madeline attends Wake Forest University, where she is pursuing a degree in Political Science and is a member of Delta Delta Delta. Madeline’s escort is Charles Griffin Hill, son of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Gideon Hill IV of Austin. Griffin attends Washington & Lee University.

Princess Cora Christiana

from the House of Strehli

Daughter of Admiral & Mrs. Scott Alfred Strehli of Austin. Christiana attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Speech Pathology and is a member of Pi Beta Phi. Christiana’s escort is Jack Robert Davenport, son of Admiral & Mrs. William Wilder Davenport of Austin. Jack attends University of Arkansas.

2025 VISITING ROYALTY

2026 Visiting Royalty

Duchess Abigail Elizabeth Bale

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. David Matthew Bale of Houston. Abby attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Advertising and a Minor in Business Foundations and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Abby’s escort is James Ford Montgomery, son of Mr. & Mrs. Dan Hodges Montgomery, Jr. of Houston. Ford attends The University of Texas.

Duchess Charlotte Blake LeCrone

Duchess Lee Clare McIntyre Bogart

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Clinton Francis Bogart of Houston. Clare attends Montana State University, where she is pursuing a degree in Animal Sciences and is a member of Pi Beta Phi. Clare’s escort is Charles Hill Morrison III, son of Admiral & Mrs. Charles “Hill” Morrison, Jr. of Austin. Chad attends University of Arizona.

Duchess Emily Margaret Milner

Duchess Nina Lenora Galbraith

Daughter of Mr. And Mrs. William David Mitchell and the late Dr. Vance Andrew LeCrone of Houston. Charlotte attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Human Development & Family Sciences and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Charlotte’s escort is William Connelly Pitzer, son of Mr. & Mrs. Gavin Starr Pitzer of Dallas. William attends The University of Texas.

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Garner Chase Galbraith of Dallas. Nina attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication & Leadership and is a member of Pi Beta Phi. Nina’s escort is Christopher Clark Cozby, Jr., son of Ms. Andrea Cozby & Mr. Chris Cozby of Dallas. Clark attends The University of Texas.

Duchess Mary Lyndell Graham

Duchess Callie Hyatt O’Neil

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. John Chiles Graham of Graham. Mary Lyndell attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Plan II and Government and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Mary Lyndell’s escort is Lawson Cayle Marin, son of Mr. & Mrs. Ismael Marin of Graham. Lawson attends Duke University.

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Christian O’Neil of Houston. Callie attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Advertising and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Callie’s escort is William Logan Smith, son of Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Blair Smith of Houston. Logan attends The University of Texas.

Duchess Anna Elisabeth Hegi

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Brian Frederick Hegi of Dallas. Anna attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Advertising and is a member of Pi Beta Phi. Anna’s escort is Ernest Harris Cockrell II, son of Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Dashiell Cockrell II of Houston. Harris attends The University of Texas.

Duchess Georgia Elise Junell

Duchess Evelyn Hardie Teeple

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. William Harrison Junell of Houston. Georgia attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Engineering and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Georgia’s escort is William Gates Jenkins IV, son of Mr. & Mrs. William Gates Jenkins III of Beaumont. Gates attends The University of Texas.

Daughter of Dr. & Mrs. Charles Sloan Teeple V of Amarillo. Evie attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Public Relations and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Evie’s escort is Mark Ashley Auler, son of Fleet Admiral & Mrs. Mark Alred Auler of Austin. Ash attends The University of Texas.

Duchess Lillian Clark Graham

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Don Kent Milner of Dallas. Emmy attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Education and is a member of Pi Beta Phi. Emmy’s escort is Pierce Ross Farr, son of Mr. & Mrs. Adam Ross Farr of Gallatin Gateway, Montana. Pierce attends Baylor University.

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. John Chiles Graham of Graham. Lillian attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Business-Marketing and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Lillian’s escort is Benjamin Clark Lucas, son of Dr. & Mrs. John Frederick Lucas III of Ft. Worth. Ben attends Texas Christian University.

Duchess Helena Elizabeth Heath

Duchess Caroline Nancy Sanders

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J. Boyd Heath III of Houston. Helena attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Public Relations/Communications and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Helena’s escort is Grant William Petersen, son of Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Randall Petersen of Houston. Grant attends The University of Texas.

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Leo Travis Sanders of Ft. Worth. Caroline attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Public Relations and is a member of Pi Beta Phi. Caroline’s escort is Kevin George Watler, son of Mr. & Mrs. Kevin George Watler of Ft. Worth. George attends The University of Texas.

Duchess Joan Stroube Henson

Daughter of Ms. Ann Henson & Mr. William Ryan Henson of Dallas. Joan attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Corporate Communications and is a member of Pi Beta Phi. Joan’s escort is Spencer Stephen Moss, son of Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Douglas Moss of Dallas. Spencer attends The University of Texas.

Duchess Lily Josephine Keisler

Duchess Katherine Anne Warthan

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Rhett Stephen Keisler of Fort Worth. Lily attends Texas Christian University, where she is pursuing a degree in Fashion Merchandising and is a member of Delta Delta Delta. Lily’s escort is Morgan Meyer Goldman, son of Mr. & Mrs. Marc Meyer Goldman of Fort Worth. Morgan attends The University of Texas.

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Todd Harper Warthan of Tulsa. Kate attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Corporate Communications and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Kate’s escort is Grifﬁn Brantley Turner, son of Mr. & Mrs. Holman Matthew Cartwright Harvey and Mr. & Mrs. Todd Brantley Turner of Ft. Worth. Griff attends The University of Texas.

2026 Visiting Royalty 2025 VISITING ROYALTY

Duchess Jacqueline Hollie Landrith

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Donovan Landrith of Houston. Jacqueline attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Health Promotion & Behavior Science and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Jacqueline’s escort is Gray Werner Gammill, son of Mr. & Mrs. Brian Keith Gammill of Houston. Gray attends The University of Texas.

Duchess Charlotte Blake LeCrone

Duchess Lauren Elizabeth Loeffler

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Lance Thomas Loeffler of Memphis. Elizabeth attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Public Relations and is a member of Pi Beta Phi. Elizabeth’s escort is Cooke Brooks Davis, son of Dr. & Mrs. William Donald Davis of Houston. Cooke attends The University of Texas.

Duchess Emily Margaret Milner

Duchess Madison Salem Matthews

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Taylor Matthews of Fort Worth. Madison attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Advertising and is a member of Pi Beta Phi. Madison’s escort is Ryland Walker Byrd, son of Mr. & Mrs. Lance Richard Byrd of Fort Worth. Ryland attends The University of Texas.

Duchess Ramey Rose Saba

Duchess Callie Hyatt O’Neil

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Brant Saba of Beaumont. Ramey Rose attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication and Leadership and is a member of Pi Beta Phi. Ramey Rose’s escort is Thomas Roark Langston, son of Mr. & Mrs. Keith Lamar Langston of Longview. Thomas attends The University of Texas.

Duchess Julia Grace Sherman

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Haag Sherman of Houston. Julia attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Education and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Julia’s escort is Robert Sweeney Britton, son of Mr. & Mrs. John Jamison Britton of Houston. Rob attends The University of Texas.

Duchess Camille Elizabeth Weber

Duchess Evelyn Hardie Teeple

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Scott Jackson Weber of Houston. Camille attends Texas Christian University, where she is pursuing a degree in Nursing and is a member of Delta Delta Delta. Camille’s escort is Andrew David Guy, son of Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Allen Guy of Houston. Andy attends Texas Christian University.

Duchess Julia Jensen Morstead

Daughter of Mr.& Mrs. Stuart Paul Morstead of Houston. Julia attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Economics and is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Julia’s escort is Austin Kirkpatrick Ault, son of Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Kyle Ault of San Marcos. Austin attends The University of Texas.

Duchess Kathleen Brooks Searcy

Duchess Caroline Nancy Sanders

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Conner Searcy of Dallas. Brooks attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Nursing and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Brooks’ escort is Charles Green Rives, son of Mr. & Mrs. Claude Green Rives V of Austin. Charlie attends The University of Texas.

Duchess Margaret Elaine Watler

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Kevin George Watler of Fort Worth. Margaret attends The University of Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Public Relations and a Minor in Business and is a member of Pi Beta Phi. Margaret’s escort is William Victor Condrey, son of Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Haralson Condrey of Fort Worth. Victor attends The University of Texas.

Duchess Ava Grace Weill

Duchess Katherine Anne Warthan

Daughter of Ms. Jackie Weill & Dr. David Weill of Dallas. Ava attends Texas Christian University, where she is pursuing a degree in Journalism and Fashion Merchandising and is a member of Delta Delta Delta. Ava’s escort is Walter Joseph Guillot IV, son of Mr. & Mrs. Walter Joseph Guillot III of Metairie, LA. IV attends Spring Hill College.