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The St. Jude Career Alliance, a faith-based ministry that offers hope, guidance, and practical tools for job seekers, will offer its next quarterly job search workshop on Saturday, April 18, 8:45 AM to 3:00 PM, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 North Greenville Avenue in Allen, TX  75002.  Titled Empowering Your Career Journey, One Step at a Time, this workshop reflects the post-Pandemic changes in the job search market while incorporating emerging technologies such as AI to refine parameters and identify new opportunities.

 

The Empowering Your Career Journey, One Step at a Time workshop will integrate interactive exercises such as S.T.A.R (Situation. Task. Action. Result.) stories, targeting specific companies, and crafting a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) to enable attendees to differentiate themselves from competitors. Attendees are encouraged to network during breaks and practice skills learned during the sessions.

This workshop is ideal for:

  • People who are unemployed and want an effective job search process.
  • People who want to get back into the job market after an extended career break.
  • People who are looking to do a career shift but are not sure just where to begin.
  •  People who are recent graduates and are looking to land their first job. 

 

Parties interested in participating in this job search workshop will need to register online and pay a $25 fee. The fee will cover the cost of a presentation booklet, as well as lunch, drinks, and snacks. Registered attendees also need to bring a printed copy of their resume to the workshop. In addition, they need to download the Free Version of ChatGPT, the AI chatbot for everyday use, on their cell phones. 

 

The link for Online Registration appears below:

https://osvhub.com/stjudeparish/forms/career-alliance-quarterly-workshop-04-18-26

 

This link connects to a registration form that includes a payment button. Registration forms cannot be submitted until payment is made.

 

The April 18 comprehensive job search workshop will take place in the Lecture Hall on the St. Jude parish campus. Participants should park in the northeast parking lot on Greenville Avenue, enter through the church office doors, and follow the signs inside to the Lecture Hall location. This event is open to all job seekers, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or age. Everyone is welcome!  

 

 The upcoming 2026 St. Jude Career job search workshops will be held:

  • 3Q2026 Saturday, August 1, 2026
  • 4Q2026 Saturday, October 17, 2026

 

For more information:

 

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Thanks to our amazing community for joining us at the DA Diamond Jubilee Gala, we raised over $150,000 in support of our school.  Through your support and incredible generosity, funds went towards tuition assistance and we were able to purchase exciting upgrades to our gym.

Our beautiful gym now features a state-of-the-art digital sound system with wireless microphones, Bluetooth, and echo-reducing technology, along with new fire-rated, moisture-resistant carpet tiles that protect the floor and improve acoustics.

These upgrades make our gym perfect for pep rallies, athletic announcements, camps, cheer events, student award ceremonies and future all-school gatherings like Bingo Night. Thank you to everyone who made these improvements possible for our school community!

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Dr. Howard Cooke will be providing free oral cancer screenings April 15 in Dallas.

In honor of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, two local oral surgery practices will offer free oral cancer screenings. They will be available:

  • April 15 from 2 to 5 pm at Metroplex Surgical Arts – 7988 W. Virginia Dr., Suite 200, Dallas, Texas, 75237
  • April 16 from 11 am to 1 pm at Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas (OSANT) – 540 W. Frontier Parkway, Suite 100, Prosper, Texas 75078.

To participate, arrive at either clinic during its designated date and times, and ask for a free cancer screening. The screenings are part of a joint partnership with the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of oral, head and neck cancer.

April is widely recognized as Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness of the condition, risk factors, statistics and screenings. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 60,480 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal (middle throat) cancer – with 13,150 deaths attributed to it – in 2026.

“The good news is oral cancer has a survival rate of 80-90% when diagnosed early, according to the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation. That’s why screenings like this are important,” said Howard F. Cooke, DMD, MS, MBA, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with Metroplex Surgical Arts. “For most patients, we recommend yearly screenings by a qualified healthcare professional as well as monthly self-exams.”

OSANT’s Phillip Newton, DDS, MD, also recommends yearly screenings and monthly self-examinations to most patients. For monthly self-examinations, he recommends using a bring light and mirror to look for anything out of the ordinary, such as lumps, swelling, bleeding, white or red patches, or sores that won’t heal.

“If you find anything out of the ordinary, get it checked out as soon as possible,” said Dr. Newton. “Don’t wait until you’re in pain because you might not feel pain during the initial stages.” 

According to the CDC, some additional symptoms to watch for include difficulty performing daily functions like breathing, speaking and chewing or swallowing food.

The American Cancer Society reports that the average age of people diagnosed with these cancers is 64 and that one in five cases occur in people younger than 55. Some risk factors to consider include smoking and alcohol use, genetic predisposition, nutrition, mouth/face injuries, oral hygiene and certain medical conditions/diseases.

Located in Dallas, Metroplex Surgical Arts is a full scope oral and maxillofacial surgery practice led by Dr. Cooke, who is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, the highest credential that can be obtained in the specialty, according to the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Dr. Newton is also a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He leads OSANT’s Prosper clinic. OSANT has locations in Dallas, Allen, Plano, Cedar Hill, Rowlett, McKinney and Prosper.

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TXWF High Tech Rising

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) has announced that High Tech Rising (formerly High Tech High Heels), a nonprofit incubated at Texas Women’s Foundation 25 years ago, will receive its Special Recognition Award at the upcoming 2026 Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration on April 29.

High Tech Rising is dedicated to achieving equitable representation for women in the STEM workforce, creating pathways for women to achieve economic, security, stability and success in alignment with TXWF’s mission.   

Karen Hughes White, Texas Women’s Foundation president and CEO, said, “We are so proud to celebrate High Tech Rising. What began as a quiet movement led by The Women of TI in 2001 has become a regional force for good, with more than $2 million awarded in scholarships and support for girls in STEM. High Tech Rising is building the next generation of leaders.”

Laura Steffek, president of High Tech Rising, said, “Texas Women’s Foundation’s Special Recognition Award is a powerful milestone as High Tech Rising embarks on our next chapter. Twenty-five years ago, we began as a small group of colleagues at Texas Instruments who saw a critical gap in the STEM pipeline and formed High-Tech High Heels to help solve it. Every young woman deserves the opportunity to pursue the STEM career of her choice, limited only by her talent, aspiration and willingness to do the work. Not all girls have that opportunity today. This award belongs to the pioneers who started this journey in 2001, the hundreds of board members and volunteers who have fueled our growth, and most importantly, the 89,000+ young women we have served.”

In addition to honoring High Tech Rising at the 2026 Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration, TXWF will honor seven outstanding women:

Five Maura “Women Helping Women” Award honorees:

And two Young Leader Award honorees:

Sponsorships, ticket packages and tickets are available for purchase: www.txwf.org/leadership. Forum information: https://txwf.org/join-us/events/lfac-event/lfac-award-leadership-forums/ 

About Texas Women’s Foundation:

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support nearly $5 million in investments each year to help eliminate the barriers to women’s economic security, stability and success through targeted research and advocacy, intentional grantmaking and leadership programs. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has invested nearly $90 million in grantmaking in support of Texas women, their families and their futures, and another $25 million in research, advocacy and educational programs for a total impact of $115 million over the last 40 years. As TXWF prepares for its next 40 years, the organization’s vision for a strong and vibrant Texas for all will remain at the forefront of its work.

TXWF’s targeted research into the issues impacting the economic security of Texas women and families will continue to guide its work. The biannual “Economic Issues for Women in Texas Report” also provides corporate and community leaders, and state and local lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. In addition, Texas Women’s Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the mission-aligned investing movement, deploying 100 percent of its invested assets – endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds – in a values-based portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits that align with its mission. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now.

About High Tech Rising:

Founded in 2001 by a group of women at Texas Instruments, High Tech Rising (formerly High Tech High Heels) is a volunteer-led non-profit dedicated to increasing the number of young women pursuing degrees and careers in STEM. Through strategic grants, partnerships, and volunteer engagement, High Tech Rising works to ensure that every young woman has the confidence to pursue a STEM career, limited only by her talents, efforts, and aspirations.

For more information, visit:hightechrising.org    

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Sharon Ballew, chair. JD Trueblood, President and CEO, Turtle Creek Association

Turtle Creek Association 2026 Azalea Luncheon Celebrating Spring on the Creek Features Fashions by Betty Reiter

Now in its fourth year, the Azalea Luncheon benefiting the Turtle Creek Association (TCA) has become one of Dallas’ most anticipated spring social events. Pat Kozak is Honorary Chair, Sharon Ballew is Luncheon Chair and JD Trueblood is CEO, Turtle Creek Association.

After selling out two years in a row, TCA is thrilled to elevate the experience in a stunning new venue. This year’s celebration will be held at the historic Warwick Melrose Hotel, inside the beautifully appointed Turtle Creek Room, the perfect setting for an unforgettable spring gathering.

The morning begins with champagne, photos, an opportunity to browse the Betty Reiter pop-up boutique, and a special treat: a live fashion illustration experience. A professional fashion sketch artist will be onsite to create designer-style illustrations inspired by guests’ outfits. This exclusive opportunity is available on a first-come, first-served basis during a limited two-hour window, so an early arrival is encouraged for the best chance to participate.

Guests will enjoy an elegant spring fashion presentation by Betty Reiter, followed by lunch. The morning also includes exclusive giveaways and plenty of picture-perfect moments before the program begins.

Most importantly, the Azalea Luncheon supports the Turtle Creek Association’s mission to Protect, Preserve, and Enhance the Turtle Creek corridor. Through events like this, TCA is able to continue vital work that keeps our parks, trails, bridges, and green spaces beautiful, safe, and thriving for generations to come.

Tickets are limited, and this event has sold out every year, so reserve your seat soon! Tickets can be purchased online at www.Turtlecreekassociation.org 

About Turtle Creek Association:

Turtle Creek Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  TCA’s core mission is to serve as the foremost guardian, advocate, and leader dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the Turtle Creek corridor.

Furthermore, the Turtle Creek Association takes on a range of vital responsibilities.  This includes orchestrating seasonal color transformations along the creek, managing irrigation and watering systems, overseeing litter and trash removal from the creek, and upkeeping 25 beautifully landscaped medians. We play a crucial role in sustaining 2,600 trees that offer a haven for wildlife, and we’re instrumental in providing essential amenities such as drinking fountains, trash receptacles, and benches throughout the parks. Remarkably, all of these efforts are achieved through the generosity of our donors.

For more information and to join our cause, please visit our website at www.turtlecreekassociation.org. Your support fuels our commitment to preserving the urban sanctuary that is Turtle Creek.  

  

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The Hughes Family Tribute Center will present its second annual El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros on Sunday, April 19, 2026. This special celebration honors children and families with a joyful day of community activities, including free children’s books, roses, music, refreshments, games, storytelling, face painting, and family art activities.

The event is free and open to the public.

Each child in attendance will receive a complimentary hardcover book, with a choice between Paletero Man by Lucky Diaz and Micah Player or Milo + Niko by D. Guzmán.

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Susser Bank has appointed Jamie Kile as Senior Vice President, Treasury Management Solutions Officer, a strategic addition to its Dallas team located at the new Old Parkland East Campus. In her role, Kile will work closely with commercial clients, helping businesses optimize cash flow, manage payments, enhance liquidity, and mitigate financial risks.

Susser Bank has appointed Jamie Kile as Senior Vice President, Treasury Management Solutions Officer, a strategic addition to its Dallas team located at the new Old Parkland East Campus. In her role, Kile will work closely with commercial clients, helping businesses optimize cash flow, manage payments, enhance liquidity, and mitigate financial risks.

With more than 25 years of experience in banking and treasury management, Kile brings a wealth of expertise to Dallas-area companies. 

“Jamie brings a rare combination of deep treasury management expertise and a proven ability to build strong, trusted relationships with commercial clients,” said Carl Cravens, President and Chief Banking Officer of Susser Bank. “Her appointment strengthens our Dallas team’s capacity to provide strategic solutions that help businesses optimize operations, manage risk effectively, and pursue growth with confidence. She is a resource our clients can rely on for guidance on complex financial challenges."

Kile’s role is designed to make Susser Bank a go-to partner for Dallas businesses navigating the complexities of treasury management. She will work closely with clients to tailor solutions to their specific needs, serving as a trusted advisor and strategic partner in the region.

Beyond her professional work, Kile is an advocate for financial literacy and community engagement. She partners with Youth with Faces, a Dallas-based nonprofit supporting at-risk youth across Dallas and Collin counties, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening local communities.

Susser Bank is a Texas-based company, founded in 1959, offering a full suite of personal and commercial banking solutions with offices across Texas – Dallas, Arlington, Austin, Bedford, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Garland, Houston, Plano, Round Rock and San Antonio. The company is a diversified bank with robust capital, liquidity, and leading-edge technology led by the Susser family and a legacy of six generations of Texas entrepreneurs. Susser Bank is dedicated to building long-term client relationships and providing outstanding financial solutions that make Texas stronger. 

More information is available at susserbank.com.

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With the bold theme “Cancer Does NOT Define ME!”, Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC) will host its 45thAnniversary Gala on Saturday, April 25, at the Ritz-Carlton, Dallas in support of children battling cancer and the families who stand beside them.

For 45 years, WOKC has worked to bring comfort, hope, and meaningful support to children facing pediatric cancer, affectionately called WOKC Warriors. The organization’s Buddy Bag and Warrior Family programs and its relentless efforts to fund pediatric cancer research are designed to help families and to remind every child a diagnosis does not define who they are.

“Everything we do is for these courageous and heroic kids,” exclaimed Cindy Brinker Simmons, founder of Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer. “From the initial diagnosis, we meet children and their families at their point of need. Working with children’s hospitals, we provide Buddy Bags filled with essentials designed to bring comfort, hope and a modicum of normalcy to the child and their parents – every Buddy Bag contains an iPad to allow the child to communicate with family, friends, and their school while hospitalized and homebound. Perhaps one of WOKC’s Warriors will someday unlock the mystery of childhood cancer. These mighty kids do not let cancer define them!” 

Jersey Mike’s founder Peter Cancro and his wife, Tatiana, are serving as Honorary Chairs for the milestone evening. Their generous underwriting of the gala allows all proceeds raised that evening to directly support WOKC’s mission and to fund novel, innovative pediatric cancer research.

Cancro’s life changed at age 17, when he gave up a potential college football career to purchase a small sub shop, Mike’s Subs, in his hometown of Point Pleasant, New Jersey. That shop became Jersey Mike’s, now one of the top fastest-growing food franchises and fast-casual restaurant chains in America. Under his leadership, Jersey Mike’s launched its popular Month of Giving in 2011, a philanthropic initiative that has generated $143 million for more than 200 charities nationwide through 2025, including $5 million for WOKC during those years. Although Cancro sold Jersey Mike’s in 2025, he remains a shareholder and now serves as Chairman of the Board.

Award-winning ESPN and ABC Sports broadcaster Holly Rowe will serve as master of ceremonies. A five-time Emmy Award winner and recipient of the 2023 Curt Gowdy Award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Rowe has spent more than 30 years covering college sports, the WNBA, and other major events for ESPN and ABC Sports. After her own battle with Stage IV metastatic melanoma, she has become a passionate advocate for cancer research and prevention.

Cindy Brinker Simmons and Karee Sampson are serving as Gala Co-Chairs, helping bring the community together in support of WOKC’s mighty Warriors and the organization’s work to fund research and care for families facing pediatric cancer.

Founded in 1980, Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer offers comfort and hope to kids with cancer through support programs serving the entire family and funds innovative research leading to new discoveries and treatments in the fight against pediatric cancer. For more information on WOKC, follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitteror visit WOKC.org.

To learn more about WOKC’s 45th Anniversary Gala, visit wokc.org/gala.

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The youngest Chargers took center stage as Shelton School celebrated a major milestone — its 50th birthday — on Founders Day, Thursday, April 2.

 The youngest Chargers took center stage as Shelton School celebrated a major milestone — its 50th birthday — on Founders Day, Thursday, April 2.

At 10:30 a.m. in the Moody Fine Arts Center, Early Childhood through fourth-grade students, teachers and administrators were joined by staff from across the school for a joyful celebration. The event put students at the heart of the moment, bringing Shelton’s history to life in a way that was meaningful, memorable and fun.

Second-grader Robert Nixon helped set the tone for the celebration by creating the Shelton birthday artwork featured on the T-shirt designed for the day — a student-created symbol of Charger pride worn across the Lower School division. 

During the celebration, Lower School students and teachers came together to count to 50 and sing “Happy Birthday” to Shelton, marking five decades of learning, growth and community. The excitement continued throughout the day with cupcakes at lunch — thanks to Chef Christian Moreno and the SAGE dining team.

Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell attended, and Head of Lower School Christine Davis reminded students of their role in Shelton’s future. “We have creative minds, courageous hearts and a strong Shelton spirit built on 50 years of legacy,” Mrs. Davis said. “But it’s not over yet — it’s your vision that will shape the next 50 years at Shelton and beyond.”

Shelton second-grader Robert Nixon. 

Thank you to Mrs. Davis, Assistant Heads of Lower School Lena Hilbert and Beth Womble and all of the Lower School teachers and staff who organized such a meaningful 50th Founders Day celebration.

Shelton 50th Fun Facts:

  • Shelton was founded on April 2, 1976, when The June Shelton School and Evaluation Center was officially chartered under the Texas Nonprofit Corporation Act.
  • Founder Dr. June Shelton established the school to provide evaluation, education and training for individuals with learning differences — and to help educators better understand language disorders and school-related challenges.
  • Larry Beeman personally flew the incorporation papers to Austin and hand-delivered them to ensure the school was chartered without delay. 
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If you’re looking for a meaningful way to spend a spring day outdoors, Folds of Honor — North Texas has one of those events that truly delivers, both on experience and impact.

On Monday, April 13, Folds of Honor North Texas will host the 2026 Wingman Open at Ridglea Country Club. Organized by the Fort Worth Board of Directors, the event brings together community members, supporters, and local leaders for a full day of golf, connection, and purpose.

The Wingman Open is designed to be more than a traditional golf tournament. While participants will enjoy 18 holes on one of Fort Worth’s well-known courses, the day also includes dinner, live music, an auction, and guest speakers. It is a chance to gather, reflect, and contribute to a mission that has a direct impact in North Texas.

Proceeds from the event support educational scholarships for the spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members and first responders. For many families, these scholarships provide critical access to educational opportunities and help ease the long-term impact of service and sacrifice.

The day begins with registration at 7:30 a.m., followed by a 10:00 a.m. start. Programming continues through the afternoon and into the evening, concluding around 6:00 p.m. with dinner and entertainment.

Whether you are an avid golfer or simply interested in supporting the cause, the Wingman Open offers several ways to get involved. Attendees can register as players, form teams, or explore sponsorship opportunities to further support the mission.

To learn more or register, visit https://northtexas.foldsofhonor.org/event/2026-wingman-open/ or email mscott@foldsofhonor.org.

Events like the Wingman Open highlight the strength of the North Texas community and its ongoing commitment to honoring and supporting those who have served.