The Coppell High School cross-country teams delivered standout performances at the highly competitive UIL 5-6A Championship in Denton. With strong individual efforts and solid team placements, all four teams finished in the top five. From Varsity Boys’ star Pranav Vegiraju securing a podium finish to Maya Easterwood leading the Varsity Girls, Coppell athletes left their mark on an exhilarating day of racing.

Individual and Team Highlights

Top Performers for Varsity Boys (UIL 5-6A Championship): 

• Pranav Vegiraju - 3rd Place, 15:05
• Rohit Kalpathy - 16th Place, 16:16
• Grant O'Neal - 17th Place, 16:19
• Team Placement: 3rd Place

Coach Wren expressed his pride in the boys' performance:
"Finishing 3rd and qualifying for Regionals in this tough district is no easy feat. While we didn’t achieve our goal of winning district, I told the boys to be proud of qualifying. There are many schools that would love the chance to compete at Regionals. It’s another opportunity to keep improving, and we’re confident that, with a strong race, we can still qualify for State. Pranav ran one of his best races this year, securing 3rd overall."

Top Performers for Varsity Girls (UIL 5-6A Championship):

• Maya Easterwood - 2nd Place, 16:52
• Mallory Sherrer - 15th Place, 19:20
• Annie Reeder - 24th Place, 20:13
• Team Placement: 3rd Place

Coach Wren praised the Varsity Girls, saying:
"We aimed for a top-three finish to qualify for Regionals, and the girls gave it their all. Although we tied for 3rd place with Hebron High School, we lost on a tiebreaker. Despite that, I couldn’t be prouder. Mallory, Avery Fishman, and Annie stepped up when we needed them most. Maya Easterwood ran her best race of the season, clocking 16:52 and finishing 2nd—an amazing time, among the top 15 in the nation. She will compete at Regionals in Lubbock on Oct. 21."

Top Performers for JV Boys (UIL 5-6A Championship):

• Rodrigo Abrego - 4th Place, 16:33
• Tanish Neelapu - 8th Place, 17:10
• Sam Meier - 9th Place, 17:12
• Team Placement: 2nd Place.

 Coach Wren shared his excitement for the JV Boys:

"I’m incredibly proud of our 2nd place finish. The boys gave it everything, and many set personal records. With talented youth like Rodrigo, Tanish, and Sam, the future looks bright for our team."

Top Performers for JV Girls (UIL 5-6A Championship):

• Ava Garcia - 27th Place, 21:27
• Rhea Bala - 32nd Place, 21:40
• Akshaya Ashokanand - 39th Place, 22:02
• Team Placement: 5th Place

Coach Wren commended the JV Girls' efforts:
"We placed 5th in a very competitive field, and several girls ran their best times of the year. I was particularly impressed with freshmen Ava, Rhea, and senior Akshaya, Many of our other freshmen also ran well."

Coach Wren’s Overall Reflections

Out of 71 runners, 38 achieved personal records (PRs) in their 5K races on Friday—22 girls and 16 boys ran their best times of the season. I couldn’t be prouder of how our team performed and competed. Now, we look ahead to Regionals, where our 8 qualifiers will race for a spot at State.

 Looking Ahead

As the cross-country season nears its conclusion, Coppell teams have shown incredible growth, determination, and teamwork since their journey began in August. Next up are the Region 1-6A Championships in Lubbock on Oct. 21, where the runners will compete for a chance to advance to the State 6A Championship in Round Rock. For those who qualify, it will be the ultimate test of endurance and skill. Until then, the Cowboys and Cowgirls are focused on finishing strong.

Go Cowboys! Go Cowgirls!

Contact Information
For more details or to support the team, please contact:

Patricia Chi
Email: chi.patricia@gmail.com
Phone: (469) 831-3709

The holiday season in Dallas is about to get a whole lot brighter! Enter Camp Christmas!

The AT&T Performing Arts Center is excited to announce the arrival of Camp Christmas, a whimsical and immersive holiday experience making its debut in the heart of Dallas. This vibrant event, sponsored by Hilltop Securities, transforms the AT&T Performing Arts Center into a multi-sensory holiday wonderland like no other in Dallas.

Created by renowned artist and designer Lonnie Hanzon, Camp Christmas blends larger-than-life holiday traditions, quirky festive décor, and interactive experiences that invite visitors of all ages to rediscover the magic of the season. With themed environments ranging from dazzling winter scenes to nostalgic Christmas memories, there’s something enchanting at every turn.

Whether it’s a family outing, a date night, or just a fun way to get into the holiday spirit, Camp Christmas offers something for everyone. Join us at the AT&T Performing Arts Center for an unforgettable festive journey full of surprises, laughter, and holiday cheer.

See more details below.

Dates:

November 22 – December 29, 2024

Location:

Strauss Square, AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas

Tickets:

Available here.

Choose between the Classic Camp Experience, Guided Camp Experience and the Camp Director Tour. Don’t miss the special Bonus Santa Experience for $10 that allows guests to visit Santa’s festive glamping site.

On Saturday, September 28, 2024, classical music connoisseurs and influential figures stepped into the sophisticated elegance of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s 2024 Symphony Gala. More than 420 distinguished guests gathered at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center for an unforgettable evening of dinner, drinks, a live auction and an exciting afterparty. The evening featured a phenomenal performance by world-renowned guest artist Lang Lang on piano alongside the DSO conducted by Louise W. & Edmund J. Kahn Music Director Fabio Luisi. Continuing the tradition, the annual Symphony Gala is one of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s largest annual fundraisers, benefitting the DSO’s life-changing education and community outreach initiatives, including Young Strings and Young Musicians. These programs touch the lives of more than 243,000 North Texas residents annually, including more than 30,000 children.

Gala Chairs, Laura Harris-Means and Patrick Means, along with Honorary Chairs Cassandra and Avery Johnson, welcomed sponsors, DSO stalwarts and notables including Venise and Larry Stuart, Marena and Roger Gault, Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld, Rachel and John Koryl, Chuck Steelman, Nancy A. Nasher, David J. Haemisegger, Grace Cook, Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins, District 14 Councilmembers Paul Ridley and Jamie Resendez.

The evening began with a champagne cocktail reception featuring the David Washburn Jazz Band playing New Orleans-style jazz on the Meyerson’s radial staircase. When the time came to transition to dinner service members of the DSO Young Musicians, playing “Oh When the Saints Go Marching In,” led a second-line-style procession down the steps and through the lobby with the Means and Johnsons trailing behind with umbrellas waiving above their heads signaling to guests that it was time to enter the dining area and be seated for an elegant dinner sponsored by Charles Schwab. The New Orleans theme continued with a Creole-inspired menu including filet of beef, blackened gulf prawns, asparagus, dauphinoise potatoes and tri-colored carrots.  

After dinner, guests moved into the Eugene McDermott Concert Hall to enjoy Lang Lang in his first appearance with the DSO orchestra since the 2016 DSO Gala, the sold-out concert sponsored by Capital One. Dallas Symphony Association (DSA) Chair of the Board of Governors Cece Smith thanked the 1700 concert attendees saying, “The Dallas Symphony has long been at the heart of Dallas’s cultural identity, shaping our city’s growth into the vibrant international destination it is today. Tonight, we express our deep gratitude to every one of you. Your generous support enables us to continue our artistic, community, and educational initiatives. We all know the transformative power of music, and with your help, we're making a lasting impact on lives across Dallas.”

Smith then introduced Michelle Miller Burns, the DSO’s new Ross Perot President & CEO, who thanked Co-Chairs Laura Harris-Means and Patrick Means for their incredible support and leadership. Burns then reminded attendees that proceeds from the evening will support the DSO’s education programs, including the Young Strings and The Kim Noltemy Young Musicians programs. The 28 Young Strings, Young Musicians and Teen Council students who were in the audience then stood and were acknowledged to thunderous applause. Before handing the mic over to the Gala’s Co-Chairs, Burns asked guests to mark their calendars for next year’s Gala, which will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

Closing out the evening’s remarks were Gala Chairs Laura Harris-Means and Patrick Means who noted that, "Art and music are an integral part of a well-rounded education, and the educational programming that tonight’s event supports enhances our community and opens doors to our city’s youth that might not otherwise exist. The DSO is one of our city’s greatest treasures, and we are excited to celebrate it with you tonight."

And with that the legendary Lang Lang took to the stage on piano alongside the DSO, conducted by Music Director Fabio Luisi, where Rachmaninoff’s expressively virtuosic Second Piano Concerto was performed. Lang Lang gave two encores, Charlotte Sohy’s “Romance,” followed by his own arrangement of the Disney Hit, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”  to thunderous applause. After the performance, guests returned to the Meyerson lobby which had been magically transformed into “Club Toulouse,” an after-party experience sponsored by Charles Schwab Bank, where those with the stamina enjoyed savories, desserts and dancing to tunes spun by Endolena as DJ.

Family-Owned North Texas Staple Marks Half a Century of Serving Authentic, Slow-Smoked Bar-B-Que

Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, a beloved North Texas institution, is thrilled to announce its 50th anniversary. Since opening its doors in 1974 in Pleasant Grove, Soulman’s has become a household name synonymous with authentic, slow-smoked hickory BBQ, hearty sides, and strong community ties. In celebration, the first 74 guests at each of the 21 North Texas Soulman’s locations will have the opportunity to enjoy the signature Chuck Wagon special with 1lb of meat, two (16 oz) sides, three slices of Texas toast and bar-b-que sauce for only $19.74 (a savings of more than $16).

For half a century, Soulman’s has remained committed to its family-owned roots, staying true to the same values, recipes, and dedication to quality that first made it a local favorite. "Reaching this milestone is incredibly meaningful to us," said Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. "It’s a testament to our dedication to tradition, quality, and the loyal support of our customers. We’ve grown with the times, but our passion for serving authentic BBQ has never wavered."

From its iconic hickory-smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage to its signature sides, Soulman’s menu continues to draw generations of BBQ lovers. "We’re proud to say that our slow-smoking process, which gives our meats that distinct, rich flavor, hasn’t changed in 50 years," added Randle]. "Customers tell us all the time that our BBQ still tastes like it did when they first visited, and that’s the highest compliment we could receive."

The company’s decades of feeding the masses at its 21 North Texas locations have earned accolades in countless best-of lists, including the Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024), Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout  & Delivery (2020) and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018).

The family-owned and operated restaurant has also played an active role in giving back to the community that has supported it over the years. "We’ve always believed in supporting the communities that support us," said Randle, "From partnerships with local schools to charitable events, being a part of this community means the world to us."

To celebrate this momentous anniversary, Soulman’s is offering special promotions, including discounted prices on signature dishes and limited-edition menu items. "This is a celebration for our customers as much as it is for us," said Randle. "We want to give back and show our appreciation for the incredible loyalty and support they’ve shown us over the years."

As Soulman’s looks forward to the next 50 years, the team remains committed to maintaining the same high standards that have made the restaurant a North Texas staple. "Our goal is to continue serving the best BBQ in Texas while staying true to our roots and giving back to the communities we serve," said Randle. "We’re excited to see what the future holds."

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

For 50 years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest to please bar-b-que lovers….Texans!  Founded in Pleasant Grove, Texas in 1974, Soulman’s had only a few simple goals—serve great Texas-style BBQ and offer friendly, sincere service.  Soulman’s original family recipes are still the foundation for the company’s success from their 8 different types of meat that are smoked “low & slow” over only hickory wood to their famous homemade sides, including Ranch house beans and Texas style cream corn! Throughout the years, this family-owned and operated company has remained true to its original strive for success and customer satisfaction and is honored to be considered one of the Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024), Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout  & Delivery (2020) and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018).

Soulman’s currently owns and operates 21 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Fort Worth, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Hurst, Hurst Grapevine Highway,  Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, Quinlan, Red Oak, Rockwall I-30, Rockwall Goliad, Royse City,  Sulphur Springs, Terrell, and Van. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at http://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.

Caution Earth

by

Gary R. Beebe, Jr.

A clever social commentary, political satire, and cautionary tale wrapped in an imaginative sci-fi reality show adventure.

Caution Earth is a new science fiction novel by Gary R. Beebe, Jr., but it is also a very funny social commentary and political satire revealing basic truths that serve as a cautionary tale. 

Qunot is the executive producer of the most popular and only true reality television show on the galactic stage called Caution Earth. However, after eight successful seasons, early cancellation looms as viewer ennui is setting in with the lack of forward progress in character development. To save his job and lavish lifestyle, he’s got to stimulate the show’s story arc. He’s got two seasons left in the show’s contract, and with Earth on a short approach to societal and environmental collapse, he’s not going to fulfill his obligation. Additionally, galactic laws prevent his direct intervention (think Star Trek’s Prime Directive); Earthlings don’t know they’re the subject of the once-popular reality show or even that intelligent life exists. Qunot is caught between a rock and a hard place until he identifies the perfect patsies to put his rescue plan into effect. 

The description of the planet Durnita’s entertainment industry, its movers and shakers, and their sycophants are reflective of how readers have come to view Hollywood, as are the laser-hewn images of politics and the mainstream media. Earth is characterized as having advanced its technological capabilities beyond its evolutionary development, poised on the brink of self-destruction. 

The story is well-told, with insight and unceasing humor. I laughed out loud at the description of a politically manipulated cause-righteous Earthside agitator as “a douche canoe environmentalist” appropriately named “Douchious.” The aliens’ super-secret spacecraft, the Wingate, is supported by Olsen, the ship’s drama queen AI, who provides many of the funniest bits of dialogue. Geese, it turns out, are alien beings Qunot stranded on Earth centuries earlier to serve as his eyes, ears, and informants, to point him and his television crew to the most show-worthy filming opportunities, and their leader, Mr. Goose, is beyond over it. I enjoyed the author’s play on cultural references, such as the mention of George Orwell being an alien, and was intrigued by the appearance of “angel” numbers; I had to look that up. On the other hand, while the narrative is consistently clever and entertaining, there is a lot of repetition of the state of politics or the human condition, which seemed to overdo driving the plot points home, at least for me, and really slowed the story down. 

I recommend CAUTION EARTH to readers of science fiction, political satire, and social commentary. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

Read this and other reviews on Boys' Mom Reads!