The Shelton School Parents’ Association (SPA) marked a milestone April 11, welcoming approximately 900 attendees to the Fairmont Hotel for the 50th anniversary Stampede benefit auction — an evening filled with celebration, reflection and support for Shelton’s mission.

Guests, dressed in cowboy chic, enjoyed a cocktail reception, seated dinner, live auction and a special performance by Little Big Town. Attendees also had the opportunity to walk through a hallway of Shelton memorabilia and historic photos, offering a meaningful look back at the school’s 50-year legacy. The Shelton community also viewed a video featuring students sharing their own stories, highlighting the impact of a Shelton education.

Funds raised from the auction will support a wide range of initiatives at Shelton, including academics, curriculum programs, fine arts, athletics, technology, professional development for teachers, the wellness program, security enhancements and tuition assistance. Proceeds also benefit the Shelton Endowment Fund and the Shelton Scholarship Fund.

Among the evening’s highlights were several premier auction packages, including the Ultimate Cowboys experience — featuring travel on the team-chartered plane and tickets to an away game — an Eagles concert experience at Globe Life Field, Del Mar Race Week and naming rights to a glass installation in Shelton’s main hall created by alumna and artist Carlyn Ray.

The 2026 Stampede Auction was co-chaired by Mandy Evans and JoAnna Sudbeck. Shelly Lloyd is Shelton’s director of volunteer relations and events. Kimberly Kahn and Leigh Erin Lundy serve as co-presidents of the 2025–2026 Shelton Parents’ Association, which sponsored the event. Francie Moody-Dahlberg, Shelton parent and executive director and chairman of the Moody Foundation, served as honorary chairman.

Executive Director Suzanne Stell thanked parents, volunteers, longtime Shelton leaders, sponsors, underwriters and staff for their support, including members of the 50 for 50 Club — donors who contributed $50,000 in honor of Shelton’s 50th anniversary. She also expressed gratitude to Shelton parents Renee and Scott Jansen of Goody Goody, who donated all beverages for the fifth consecutive year.

In her remarks, Suzanne noted that Shelton students have earned more than $80 million in merit scholarships between 2004 and 2026. “We are here to celebrate the past, the present and the future,” she said. “What we’ve accomplished together is extraordinary. Shelton’s story is one of perseverance, passion and purpose.”

The program also featured remarks from Shelton parent and alumnus Patrick Wallace, whose mother, Diane Wallace, chaired the Stampede Auction in 1991–92. Wallace attended Shelton’s Lovers Lane campus from 1987 to 1993.

“I came to Shelton broken — my confidence and self-esteem were so low. But here, it was like I found my people. The teachers understood me, my confidence grew year by year and it truly changed the trajectory of my life,” he said. “I would not be where I am today without the foundation I received at Shelton. It changed my life — and now I’m seeing it do the same for my children.” Wallace is now a financial advisor at Gardner Wallace, a financial planning and management company.

Attendees viewed a video message from Charlotte Jones, executive vice president and chief brand officer of the Dallas Cowboys and a former Shelton parent.

“No family anticipates needing a school for learning differences, but when you find Shelton, you discover hope,” she said. “You discover answers. You discover people who understand your child at a level few others ever have. Shelton restores confidence. It reshapes a child’s future. It’s not just a school — it’s a family.

“The next 50 years begin tonight. We have both the opportunity and the responsibility to ensure Shelton continues to transform lives. Through our generosity, our leadership and our engagement, we chart the path forward.”

See photos and videos from Shelton's 2026 50th Stampede Auction at this link.

Photography by Kate White.

Gala raises $1.4 million, honors four laureates and welcomes surprise appearance by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott

Junior Achievement of Dallas (JA Dallas) honored four distinguished business leaders at the 28th annual Dallas Business Hall of Fame on Saturday, March 28, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. The fundraising gala—presented by Ryan, LLC—recognized Susan Adzick, Phillip Huffines, Allen Nye and Steven Williams for their lasting contributions to the Dallas business community and region. 

The event raised a record-breaking $1.4 million in support of JA Dallas' mission to inspire and prepare young people for success in a global economy.

Dallas Cowboys Strength and Conditioning Coach Harold Nash served as emcee, kicking off the program by pondering aloud what exactly a Cowboys strength coach was doing hosting a celebration of Dallas business leaders—before drawing a convincing parallel between his work developing athletes and Junior Achievement's work preparing students for the real world. Nash set a high-energy tone that carried through the entire evening.

JaiMarie Bardwell, a senior at Irving High School, was named the 2026 Student of the Year and awarded the Sandi Smith Scholarship—a $15,000 award to support her higher education journey. Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, Bardwell was recognized for her leadership, service and commitment to creating opportunity for others, including her mentorship of younger students through the JA High School Heroes program. Casey Mellody, JA Dallas Vice President of Education, presented the award. Stephen Tigh, JA Dallas Board Chair, followed with a champagne toast before dinner.

When Chris LaTurno, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Dallas, took the stage, he emphasized the lasting impact JA has on students' trajectories—and why the organization's hands-on approach is exactly what the future demands.

"Three in five JA alumni say they started or owned a business because of their JA experience—and 92 percent agree that as automation and AI change jobs and the economy, students who go through JA will be better prepared for the future," said LaTurno. "Students are not just hearing about economics and personal finance—they are experiencing them."

Auctioneer Scott Peterson followed with a competitive live auction featuring exclusive experiences, including trips to the Amalfi Coast, Sonoma Valley and Champagne, France, as well as a Texas Rangers package and a private dinner at Chamberlain’s Steak and Fish.

The evening took an unforgettable turn during the live appeal, when Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott—in attendance at the invitation of his coach and mentor Harold Nash—took the stage and announced a personal gift of $25,000 to Junior Achievement of Dallas.

"I am the man that I am, strictly because of the community that was around me when I grew up,” said Prescott. “It takes a village to raise somebody, and everyone in this room is a part of that community. So, I'm giving $25,000 tonight—I challenge each and every one of you to give to the leaders of tomorrow.”

Prescott then tossed autographed footballs to guests making matching donations throughout the room.

JA Dallas students introduced each of the evening's four honorees.

Susan Adzick, president of McLane Restaurant, leads one of the largest food service systems distribution companies in the country, with 45 distribution centers delivering to more than 34,000 restaurants. She has held executive roles at McLane and previously at PepsiCo Food Systems and has served on boards including the International Foodservice Distributors Association, National Restaurant Association and Women's Foodservice Forum. She has also been involved with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and the Dallas Arboretum Women's Council.

Phillip Huffines, co-founder and co-owner of Huffines Communities, has spent more than four decades transforming the North Texas landscape through real estate development. His firm has developed more than 20,000 single-family homesites and 2,500 multifamily units, generating billions in value and supporting regional growth. A dedicated mentor and philanthropist, he supports STEM education and entrepreneurship through the Huffines Foundation and is a longtime JA Dallas board member—named the organization's Philanthropist of the Year in 2018.

Allen Nye, CEO of Oncor, leads Texas' largest electric delivery company, serving more than 13 million customers. Under his leadership since 2018, Oncor has emphasized safety, reliability and innovation while guiding the company through an era of rapid growth and modernization. He is also active in civic and industry organizations supporting public service, economic development and education.

Steven Williams, executive vice president and vice chairman of PepsiCo, leads global commercial strategy, stakeholder engagement and growth initiatives across one of the world’s most recognized food and beverage companies. A PepsiCo veteran since 2001, he previously served as CEO of PepsiCo North America and serves on boards including State Farm, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and UT Southwestern.

The Dallas Business Hall of Fame raises funds to help JA Dallas provide students across North Texas with hands-on learning experiences in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship—equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to become the next generation of leaders.

Special thanks to sponsors, including:

• Presenting Sponsor: Ryan
• Achievement Sponsors: DHD Films, Oncor, PepsiCo
• Elite Sponsors: Hillwood, Huffines Foundation, The Men and Women of Hunt Consolidated, Inc., McLane Food Service, Turtle Creek Wealth Advisors
• Leadership Sponsors: BravoTECH, The Brierley Group, Ernst & Young, KPMG, Southwest Airlines

About Junior Achievement of Dallas

Junior Achievement of Dallas (JA Dallas) inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy. Over the past 70 years, the nonprofit organization has reached more than 1.3 million students across the region with real-world learning experiences in financial literacy, workplace readiness and entrepreneurship. In the past year alone, JA Dallas served 99,661 students through just over 50 school partners, powered by 3,124 volunteers who contributed 458,594 hours of their time, valued at more than $15.4 million. These immersive, hands-on experiences equip young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to lead and thrive. Research shows that JA alumni are more likely to pursue higher education, feel confident managing money, experience career success and start businesses. For more information, visit jadallas.org.

# # #

Photo credit: Brad Newton/Grant Miller Photography

Gala raises $1.4 million, honors four laureates and welcomes surprise appearance by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott

Junior Achievement of Dallas (JA Dallas) honored four distinguished business leaders at the 28th annual Dallas Business Hall of Fame on Saturday, March 28, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. The fundraising gala—presented by Ryan, LLC—recognized Susan Adzick, Phillip Huffines, Allen Nye and Steven Williams for their lasting contributions to the Dallas business community and region. 

The event raised a record-breaking $1.4 million in support of JA Dallas' mission to inspire and prepare young people for success in a global economy.

Dallas Cowboys Strength and Conditioning Coach Harold Nash served as emcee, kicking off the program by pondering aloud what exactly a Cowboys strength coach was doing hosting a celebration of Dallas business leaders—before drawing a convincing parallel between his work developing athletes and Junior Achievement's work preparing students for the real world. Nash set a high-energy tone that carried through the entire evening.

JaiMarie Bardwell, a senior at Irving High School, was named the 2026 Student of the Year and awarded the Sandi Smith Scholarship—a $15,000 award to support her higher education journey. Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, Bardwell was recognized for her leadership, service and commitment to creating opportunity for others, including her mentorship of younger students through the JA High School Heroes program. Casey Mellody, JA Dallas Vice President of Education, presented the award. Stephen Tigh, JA Dallas Board Chair, followed with a champagne toast before dinner.

When Chris LaTurno, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Dallas, took the stage, he emphasized the lasting impact JA has on students' trajectories—and why the organization's hands-on approach is exactly what the future demands.

"Three in five JA alumni say they started or owned a business because of their JA experience—and 92 percent agree that as automation and AI change jobs and the economy, students who go through JA will be better prepared for the future," said LaTurno. "Students are not just hearing about economics and personal finance—they are experiencing them."

Auctioneer Scott Peterson followed with a competitive live auction featuring exclusive experiences, including trips to the Amalfi Coast, Sonoma Valley and Champagne, France, as well as a Texas Rangers package and a private dinner at Chamberlain’s Steak and Fish.

The evening took an unforgettable turn during the live appeal, when Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott—in attendance at the invitation of his coach and mentor Harold Nash—took the stage and announced a personal gift of $25,000 to Junior Achievement of Dallas.

"I am the man that I am, strictly because of the community that was around me when I grew up,” said Prescott. “It takes a village to raise somebody, and everyone in this room is a part of that community. So, I'm giving $25,000 tonight—I challenge each and every one of you to give to the leaders of tomorrow.”

Prescott then tossed autographed footballs to guests making matching donations throughout the room.

JA Dallas students introduced each of the evening's four honorees.

Susan Adzick, president of McLane Restaurant, leads one of the largest food service systems distribution companies in the country, with 45 distribution centers delivering to more than 34,000 restaurants. She has held executive roles at McLane and previously at PepsiCo Food Systems and has served on boards including the International Foodservice Distributors Association, National Restaurant Association and Women's Foodservice Forum. She has also been involved with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and the Dallas Arboretum Women's Council.

Phillip Huffines, co-founder and co-owner of Huffines Communities, has spent more than four decades transforming the North Texas landscape through real estate development. His firm has developed more than 20,000 single-family homesites and 2,500 multifamily units, generating billions in value and supporting regional growth. A dedicated mentor and philanthropist, he supports STEM education and entrepreneurship through the Huffines Foundation and is a longtime JA Dallas board member—named the organization's Philanthropist of the Year in 2018.

Allen Nye, CEO of Oncor, leads Texas' largest electric delivery company, serving more than 13 million customers. Under his leadership since 2018, Oncor has emphasized safety, reliability and innovation while guiding the company through an era of rapid growth and modernization. He is also active in civic and industry organizations supporting public service, economic development and education.

Steven Williams, executive vice president and vice chairman of PepsiCo, leads global commercial strategy, stakeholder engagement and growth initiatives across one of the world’s most recognized food and beverage companies. A PepsiCo veteran since 2001, he previously served as CEO of PepsiCo North America and serves on boards including State Farm, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and UT Southwestern.

The Dallas Business Hall of Fame raises funds to help JA Dallas provide students across North Texas with hands-on learning experiences in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship—equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to become the next generation of leaders.

Special thanks to sponsors, including:

• Presenting Sponsor: Ryan
• Achievement Sponsors: DHD Films, Oncor, PepsiCo
• Elite Sponsors: Hillwood, Huffines Foundation, The Men and Women of Hunt Consolidated, Inc., McLane Food Service, Turtle Creek Wealth Advisors
• Leadership Sponsors: BravoTECH, The Brierley Group, Ernst & Young, KPMG, Southwest Airlines

About Junior Achievement of Dallas

Junior Achievement of Dallas (JA Dallas) inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy. Over the past 70 years, the nonprofit organization has reached more than 1.3 million students across the region with real-world learning experiences in financial literacy, workplace readiness and entrepreneurship. In the past year alone, JA Dallas served 99,661 students through just over 50 school partners, powered by 3,124 volunteers who contributed 458,594 hours of their time, valued at more than $15.4 million. These immersive, hands-on experiences equip young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to lead and thrive. Research shows that JA alumni are more likely to pursue higher education, feel confident managing money, experience career success and start businesses. For more information, visit jadallas.org.

# # #

Photo credit: Brad Newton/Grant Miller Photography

Step into the sights, sounds and savory flavors of Spain as the Meadows Museum, SMU, presents Celebrate Spain 2026 on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 7–8:30 p.m. Free and open to the public, the annual event invites guests to experience an evening of Spanish culture – from artmaking to a bustling mercado – all set against the backdrop of the museum’s nationally renowned collection of Spanish art.

This year’s event pays homage to Málaga and its vibrant heritage, shaped by over 1,000 years of history influenced by Phoenician, Roman, Arab, and Christian civilizations. It is also the birthplace of Bernardo de Gálvez who played a crucial role in the American Revolution by leading Spanish forces to key victories against the British. 

Celebrate Spain features a marketplace with artisan vendors, plus hands‑on art activities for all ages and authentic Spanish cuisine such as paella and tapas. Designed to spark curiosity and connection, the event offers a dynamic way to discover the character and artistic spirit of Spain.

Other highlights include the opportunity for visitors to explore the Meadows Museum’s latest exhibitions including Raimundo de Madrazo, Yáñez: Saint Sebastian Revealed and the third edition of Meadows/ARCO Artist Spotlight: Rubén Guerrero. Volunteer docents will be on hand to provide insights.

“Celebrate Spain brings the creativity and craftsmanship of Spain to life right here in Dallas, Texas,” said Amanda W. Dotseth, Linda P. and William A. Custard Director of the Meadows Museum and Centennial Chair in the Meadows School of Arts, SMU. “This year's event is inspired by the coastal culture of Málaga, birthplace of such notable Spaniards as, Bernardo Gálvez (for whom Galveston is named) and Pablo Picasso. This festive event offers a welcoming way to connect with Spain through its unique art and culture.”

Meadows Museum members receive early access beginning at 5 p.m., including a member‑exclusive concert by the Orchestra of New Spain, with Baroque and classical works by Spanish composers on period instruments. Members also enjoy early access to Spanish food and beverages, the mercado, and artmaking activities located throughout the museum.

Celebrate Spain is presented in partnership with National Tourism Office of Spain, with the support of Málaga Tourism Board, Ben E. Keith, and Dive Costal Cuisine. Mercado vendors will include Fabúla de Alegría, Español, la Lengua Amiga, Rare Freight, and Perillo Tours.

The Meadows Museum is located on the SMU campus at 5900 Bishop Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75205. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Thursday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Parking is free for museum visitors.

While the event is free, registration is required here. For more information, go to meadowsmuseumdallas.org/calendar.

About the Meadows Museum
The Meadows Museum is the leading U.S. institution focused on the study and presentation of the art of Spain. In 1962, Dallas businessman and philanthropist Algur H. Meadows donated his private collection of Spanish paintings, as well as funds to start a museum, to Southern Methodist University. The museum opened to the public in 1965, marking the first step in fulfilling Meadows’s vision to create “a small Prado for Texas.” Today, the Meadows is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Spanish art outside of Spain. The collection spans from the 10th to the 21st centuries and includes medieval objects, Renaissance and Baroque sculptures, and major paintings by Golden Age and modern masters. For more information visit meadowsmuseumdallas.org.

If you’ve been browsing real estate listings lately and felt your jaw drop, you’re not alone.

Home prices across Texas have started to level out, but they are still sitting higher than what most people would call a great deal. And while we all love an upgrade, paying more for less space is not exactly the dream when you are trying to find your next home.

Here is the good news. You may not need to move at all to get the home you have been dreaming about.

Remodeling your current space can give you the lifestyle upgrade you want without bidding wars, packing boxes, or losing out to another offer at the last minute.

Let’s break down why remodeling might be one of the smartest financial and emotional decisions you can make this year.

Over the past few years, home prices across Texas have climbed significantly. Even with some recent cooling, buying a new home is still far more expensive than it was just a short time ago.

When you combine higher interest rates, limited inventory, and strong competition, it creates a challenging environment for buyers. A home that might have cost $450,000 a few years ago could now be closer to $600,000, often with fewer updates or less space.

That is not just frustrating. It can feel discouraging.

Buying vs. remodeling: where does your money go?

It is easy to assume moving is the best way to get what you want. But the hidden costs add up quickly:

• Closing costs, often 3 to 6 percent of the purchase price

• Real estate commissions

• Moving expenses

• Inspections and appraisals

• Immediate repairs or updates in the new home

And that does not even account for the emotional side of leaving a home filled with memories.

With remodeling, those same dollars go directly into your own space. Instead of spending tens of thousands just to move, you can invest in a kitchen you love, a bathroom that feels like a retreat, or storage that actually works for your life.

When you buy a new home, there is almost always compromise. The layout may not flow quite right. The finishes may not match your style. You may find yourself planning renovations before you even unpack.

Remodeling flips that dynamic.

You choose the materials, the layout, and the details. You can create a kitchen that functions the way you cook, add storage where you need it, or design a space that truly reflects your style. It is about building a home that fits your life, not adjusting your life to fit the home.

Remodeling is not just about how your home looks and feels today. It can also be a smart long-term investment.

Updates like kitchen and bathroom renovations or opening up living spaces can increase your home’s value and appeal. If you decide to sell in the future, buyers are often drawn to homes that feel updated and move-in ready.

In a competitive market, that can make a meaningful difference.

Moving can be overwhelming. Between searching for the right home, handling paperwork, coordinating timelines, and physically relocating, it can quickly become exhausting.

Remodeling is still a process, but it is one you can manage with the right team. You get to stay in the neighborhood you love, keep your daily routines, and avoid the disruption that comes with starting over somewhere new.

Instead of leaving behind what works, you improve what does not.

When compared to today’s housing market and the cost of moving, remodeling is often the more cost-effective choice.

Spring is also bringing a fresh dose of creativity to Dallas with Spring into Color, hosted by NKBA Texas North Plains on April 15 at Kitchen Design Concepts. The event celebrates the role of color in design, bringing together industry professionals and enthusiasts for an evening of inspiration, networking, and trend exploration. Guests can expect expert insights, vibrant displays, and a chance to connect with others shaping the future of interiors in North Texas. Tickets are available through Eventbrite for those interested in attending.