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Ribs, radio personalities, local leaders, and family fun headline a high-energy community celebration (rescheduled from January 24)

Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, North Texas’ beloved family-owned barbecue institution since 1974, is inviting the community to celebrate THIS WEEKEND as it officially opens its newest location in North Richland Hills. The Grand Opening celebration takes place Saturday, February 7, 2026  from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at 6000 Rufe Snow Drive, North Richland Hills, TX 76180, and promises an afternoon packed with flavor, friendly competition, and family-friendly fun.

Designed as a true neighborhood party, the event brings together live radio, local leaders, giveaways, kids’ activities, and plenty of Texas-style barbecue. Guests can enjoy prizes and swag, exclusive food discounts, balloon art for kids, and a live broadcast with 99.5 The Wolf’s Jason Pullman, adding to the festive atmosphere throughout the day.

The highlight of the celebration will be the fan-favorite Rib Eating Contest at 1:00 p.m., where well-known local figures go head-to-head in a fun, high-energy showdown for barbecue bragging rights. Contestants include:

  • Jack McCarty, Mayor of North Richland Hills
  • Jack Bradshaw, President & CEO, North Tarrant Chamber of Commerce
  • Brandon Board, CEO, The Tree of North Texas

Cheering crowds, saucy competition, and plenty of laughs are expected as these community leaders take on Soulman’s signature ribs in a spirited contest that has become a must-see moment at Soulman’s celebrations. “For more than 50 years, Soulman’s has been about more than barbecue — it’s about bringing people together,” said Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. “This weekend is a celebration of great food, great people, and a great community. North Richland Hills already feels like home.”

 

Event Details:

Soulman’s Bar-B-Que North Richland Hills Grand Opening

Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location: 6000 Rufe Snow Dr., North Richland Hills, TX 76180

 

What to Expect:

  • Live broadcast with 99.5 The Wolf’s Jason Pullman
  • Rib Eating Contest at 1:00 p.m. featuring local leaders
  • Kids’ activities including balloon animals and entertainment
  • Prizes, giveaways, Soulman’s swag, and exclusive food discounts

The new North Richland Hills restaurant expands Soulman’s growing DFW footprint and serves up the classics Texans love — fall-off-the-bone ribs, tender sliced brisket, homemade sides, and iconic banana pudding — all delivered with the warm hospitality that has defined the brand for generations.

“This weekend is about creating memories,” added Tiffany Marino, General Manager of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que North Richland Hills. “Whether you’re a longtime Soulman’s fan or visiting us for the first time, we can’t wait to welcome you, feed you well, and celebrate together.”

 

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 Grapevine Highway,  Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, North Richland Hills, 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.

 

 

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Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas recently named Dr. Heather Koroma the 2025 Texas A&M University College of Dentistry Outstanding Young Alumnus Award recipient. The award celebrates alumni who are 10 years or less out of dental college and making an impact on the profession, the community and A&M Dentistry. 

Koroma, a 2018 dental alumna practicing in Lake Charles, Louisiana, works as a certified correctional health professional and a National Commission on Correctional Health Care surveyor, where she helps uphold and advance standards in correctional health care. Koroma said she’s driven by a sense of purpose and responsibility. 

“Working with Medicaid pediatric populations and in correctional health has given me a front-row seat to the real barriers families face. I feel called to use my skills to close those gaps and build trust,” Koroma said. 

She founded Inspire Timbuktu in 2025, a nonprofit focused on youth development and leadership.  

“We focus on cultural education, confidence-building and legacy work because those are protective factors that follow children into every part of life,” Koroma said. 

Through partnerships with organizations such as Jack and Jill of America, Inspire Timbuktu is establishing programs such as Little Dentists of the Bayou to foster early exposure to the industry and Dream Smiles Dental Leadership Institute, which is scheduled to launch in 2027 to serve as a pipeline for high school and college students to the dental industry.  

The goal is not only to introduce dentistry, but it’s to help young people see possibilities and feel supported as they move into professional spaces. 

She’s built a career that bridges clinical excellence, public health leadership and community service.  

“My professional activities reflect a commitment to advancing health equity, mentoring future leaders and using my skills to uplift underserved communities,” Koroma said.  

She received the NCCHC Young Professional of the Year Award in 2024 and is a 2025 graduate of the American Dental Association Institute for Diversity in Leadership. In addition, Koroma is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists. 

Dr. William R. Phillips, Class of 1997 and president-elect of Texas A&M University College of Dentistry Alumni Association’s board, said Koroma’s career reflects both compassion and service. 

“Dr. Koroma sees a need, and she’s willing put forth extra effort and time to improve the lives of others beyond providing healthier teeth and gums,” said Phillips, an oral maxillofacial surgeon at Park Cities Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates in Dallas. “That’s true Aggie spirit.” 

Koroma said she maintains a supportive connection to A&M Dentistry and the alumni association, serving as an example of the leadership, service and professional impact cultivated by the college. 

“My fondest memories are the friendships and experiences that shaped my perspective on service,” she said. “I formed lifelong relationships with classmates who continue to inspire me in dentistry, and I participated in an interprofessional mission trip to Quesimpuco, Bolivia, in the summer of 2017, which deepened my understanding of global health and community-centered care.” 

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Brooke Bailey will serve as Chairman of Equest's 2026 Board of Directors.

Equest, one of North Texas’ leading nonprofits providing equine-assisted services for children and adults with diverse needs, is proud to announce its 22-member Board of Directors for 2026. The organization welcomes eight new board members and a slate of officers who will provide governance, leadership, and advocacy to help guide Equest’s mission and strategic vision in the year ahead.

The 2026 Board Officers include Brooke Bailey, Chairman; Megan Martin, Vice Chairman; Daniel Valentine, Treasurer; and Erika Burton, Secretary.

“It’s an honor to serve as Chair of the Equest Board alongside such an accomplished and passionate group of leaders,” said Bailey. “Equest changes lives every day, and I’m proud to support the organization’s incredible staff and volunteers as we continue to expand our transformational programs.”

Newly appointed Board Members are Brandi Garrett of Baylor University – Louise Herrington School of Nursing; Chris Gold of BNY Wealth; Mary LeDonne Bank of Goldman Sachs; Melissa Oates of Allie Beth Allman & Associates; Kate Ralls of Kate Ralls Wellness;  Norma Jean Schaltenbrand of Dallas Capital Bank; Jay Wallace of Bell Nunnally LLP; and

Kay Weeks of Ebby Halliday, Realtors.

“These leaders bring not only impressive professional expertise, but also a deep commitment to service and community impact,” said Eric Lindh, CEO of Equest. “Their collective insight and dedication will be instrumental as we continue to expand our programs and ensure Equest remains a place of hope, healing, and possibility for the individuals and families we serve.”

With the 2026 Board and Officers in place, Equest looks forward to another year of growth, innovation, and meaningful impact across North Texas.

Founded in 1981, Equest provides equine facilitated activities, therapies and counseling to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping and learning disabilities and veterans with adjustment challenges. The services provided include physical and occupational therapy, equine facilitated counseling and learning, therapeutic carriage driving, therapeutic horsemanship and competition. With 34 therapy horses, a dedicated team of professionals, and 818 volunteers contributing 19,405 hours annually, Equest transforms lives annually for more than 2,770 individuals. Equest was the first PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Texas and remains one of the largest in the country.

For more information about Equest, its programs, or leadership, visit www.equest.org.

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The region’s largest indoor pre-game party on the water features hundreds of boats, exclusive pre-season deals and fan-friendly experiences

With the Super Bowl right around the corner, fans across North Texas are planning watch parties, tailgates, and game-day gatherings. But this season, the Dallas Winter Boat Show is encouraging Texans to think bigger—and head to the water. Boatgating, the lake-loving cousin of tailgating, is one of the fastest-growing recreation trends, giving fans a way to enjoy the Big Game with sunshine, scenery, and serious style.

Whether you're hosting a viewing party on the dock, pre-gaming aboard your pontoon, tying up a line of center consoles and bowriders, or planning a lakeside watch-and-float afternoon, here are the top Boatgating 101 tips from the Dallas Winter Boat Show, returning to Dallas Market Hall this weekend February 5–8, 2026.

1. Pick the Perfect Boatgating Setup: Comfort, Space & Style

While pontoons and tritoons remain the go-to favorites for hosting larger groups thanks to their wide decks and lounge-style seating, they’re far from the only boatgate-ready options popular on North Texas lakes.

Bowriders and runabouts, staples on lakes like Lewisville, Ray Hubbard, and Grapevine, make excellent game-day cruisers with versatile seating and built-in coolers.

Deck boats offer pontoon-like spaciousness with sportier handling—perfect for fans who want room to spread out without sacrificing speed.

Center console and bay boats, commonly seen on Lake Texoma, provide wide open deck layouts ideal for standing room, mingling, and easy access to coolers and snacks.

Fishing boats aren’t just for anglers—many come equipped with powerful audio systems and elevated casting decks that double as great standing/viewing spots during a floating watch party.

Even personal watercraft (PWCs) like jet skis can get in on the fun when rafted up next to a primary host boat, giving thrill-seekers their own floating “seats” for pre-game hangs.

And of course, for the watersport-loving crowd, wake surf boats bring big energy (and the best audio systems) for an amped-up pre-game playlist.

Pro Tip:
At the Dallas Winter Boat Show, shoppers can compare dozens of pontoons, bowriders, center consoles, wake boats, and fishing boats side-by-side to find the right mix of seating, storage, tech, and entertainment features.

2. Create a Game-Winning Food & Drink Strategy

Boatgating food needs to be delicious but easy to handle. Skip complicated spreads and aim for handheld, no-mess favorites:

  • Individual nacho cups
  • Sliders or street tacos
  • Pre-skewered fruits, veggies, or meats
  • Single-serve dips
  • Mason-jar salads
  • Canned cocktails & mocktails

Keep it simple, organized, and cold using a color-coded “game-day cooler.”

3. Turn Up the Entertainment with a “Float-In Theater”

If you're hosting on the dock or at a marina slip, create a floating watch party with a portable projector and weatherproof screen. Some fans raft multiple boats—pontoons, bowriders, or even center consoles—so everyone gets a great view.

Many newer pontoons, cruisers, and wake boats now come with integrated screens or smart TV hookups, something visitors can explore hands-on at the Boat Show.

Pro Tip:
Use waterproof Bluetooth speakers or the boat’s built-in audio system to broadcast commentary or pump up the energy with pre-game playlists.

4. Show Your Team Spirit—Lake Style

Festive décor makes a boatgating setup come alive. Fans love:

  • Team-colored pillows & blankets
  • LED rope lights
  • Custom boat flags
  • Inflatable goalposts
    Floating drink holders
    Branded coolers

You’ll find plenty of lake-friendly accessories in the gear aisles at the Dallas Winter Boat Show.

5. Safety First: Keep It Fun, Keep It Smart

Just like tailgating on land, boatgating comes with responsibilities. The Dallas Winter Boat Show recommends:

• Designating a sober captain
• Checking weather conditions
• Using non-glass containers
• Securing electronics and cords
• Ensuring enough life jackets for all ages
• Anchoring properly when rafting with friends

6. Make It Instagram-Ready

A memorable boatgate doubles as great social content:

• Score-prediction reels
• Pets in team colors for the Puppy Bowl
• Before-and-after boat décor transformations
• A “floating stadium wave” video

7. Plan Your Upgrade for Next Season

The Big Game unofficially marks the start of summer boating prep. If your current boat could use more seating, better sound, updated tech, or improved storage, the Dallas Winter Boat Show is the best place to browse 2026 models with exclusive incentives.

Whether you're considering a pontoon, center console, deck boat, bowrider, surf boat, fishing boat, cruiser, or PWC, the show makes it easy to score a great pre-season price.

Boatgating Starts Here: Join the Dallas Winter Boat Show

From floating tailgates to lakeside watch parties, boatgating is becoming one of Texas’ favorite ways to celebrate game day. With its massive selection of boats, gear, demos, and family activities, the Dallas Winter Boat Show has everything fans need to level up their Super Bowl experience—and their 2026 lake season.

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Dr. Mehrnaz Tahmasbi

 

Better reading of dental radiographic images leads to healthier patients, according to Dr. Mehrnaz Tahmasbi, clinical associate professor and radiology predoctoral program director at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas. She’s working to ensure tomorrow’s dentists see ailments more clearly. 

A&M Dentistry’s dental students, like many of their counterparts worldwide, traditionally learn about head and neck anatomy primarily using two-dimensional images. A&M Dentistry’s fourth-year students also have the privilege to observe cone beam computed tomography three-dimensional imaging during their clinical rotations, and Tahmasbi is working to add formal CBCT education to the predoctoral curriculum. 

“I want to enhance students’ understanding of three-dimensional anatomy and imaging concepts relevant to procedures such as implant placement, endodontic surgery and extractions,” said Tahmasbi, a dentist and oral and maxillofacial radiologist, of the CBCT technology now used in many dental practices. 

Her teaching endeavors, work at A&M Dentistry’s Imaging Center and research in diagnostic sciences, as well as her dental imaging reading services for BeamReaders, were recognized by editors and peers when she was named to Incisal Edge magazine’s 2025 list of 40 Under 40 top dental specialists. 

The magazine recognizes excellence and honorees’ insights and strategies to inspire and elevate the entire dental community, stated Edward Kobesky, head of content for parent company Benco Dental, in a press release announcing the winners. 

Forty general dentists and 40 dental specialists are chosen each year and spotlighted in the magazine and online.  

“I’m grateful for the recognition and for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues and students,” Tahmasbi said. “Over the next year, I plan to focus on more collaborative research and the thoughtful use of artificial intelligence to support radiology education and patient care.” 

She volunteered as an adjunct assistant professor for a year before joining the full-time faculty in 2018.  

“I was drawn to dentistry, and ultimately to radiology, because it brings together clinical judgment, diagnostic precision, and patient care in a way that allows me to make a meaningful impact,” Tahmasbi said. 

Dr. Moein Sadrkhani, clinical faculty in endodontics, nominated her. He said Tahmasbi is a future leader and makes him optimistic about the direction of dental education.  

“She consistently goes above and beyond to support students with her commitment to radiology education and mentorship,” Sadrkhani said. 

Tahmasbi won Texas A&M University Health Science Center’s inaugural Teaching Excellence Award in 2024. 

Dr. Madhu Nair, professor, head of diagnostic sciences and director of the Imaging Center, said she’s meticulous with protocols, quality assurance processes and documentation, and Tahmasbi sets goals, actively seeking feedback. Her diligence ensures accurate, timely interpretation of reports. 

He also praised Tahmasbi for a steady cadence of peer-reviewed publications, invited reviews and chapters, often as the first or second author. 

“She is a great team player and quite generous with her time and expertise, mentoring junior colleagues and sharing credit for success,” Nair said. “Dr. Tahmasbi approaches clinical problems creatively, pilots new ideas thoughtfully and evaluates outcomes with rigor.” 

Dr. Sabrina Dragan, owner of Dragan Smiles Complete Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Dallas, also made the magazine’s specialist list. Dragan completed a pediatric residency at A&M Dentistry in 2017, after earning her dental degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine in 2015. 

Her passion is the link between oral health and overall health, Incisal Edge’s editors stated in the magazine’s Fall issue. Dragan’s nomination praised her efforts to upgrade the practice’s technology while staying true to its mission of delivering rewarding experiences for patients, parents and staff. She added services, such as lip- and tongue-tie releases for nursing mothers, laser restorative dentistry to provide compassionate care to children with needle phobias, and airway-focused orthodontics for children. 

“The public has little awareness of how oral health and oral structure shape a child’s overall health and development,” Dragan said. “Mouth breathing and snoring are common, but they are not normal and may be linked to serious issues such as airway dysfunction and even behavioral concerns.”  

She said it’s a dentist’s responsibility to pursue continuing education, screen patients and collaborate with pediatricians and other professionals. 

Dragan doesn’t know who nominated her. 

The complete list of 40 Under 40 general dentists and dental specialists is available at The Fifteenth Annual 40 Under 40 - Incisal Edge - Strategies to Accelerate Success: Incisal Edge – Strategies to Accelerate Success. 

 

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February’s American Heart Month is a timely reminder that caring for your heart isn’t just about responding to emergencies – it’s about the small, intentional choices we make every day. As the season of love fills store shelves with hearts, Carrollton Regional Medical Center encourages you to reflect on how a heart-healthy lifestyle supports long-term wellness and quality of life.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news? Many risk factors can be managed – or even prevented – through healthy habits, awareness, and proactive care.

 

Understanding Your Risk

Heart health looks different for everyone. While family history and certain medical conditions can play a role, lifestyle factors such as physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and avoiding tobacco significantly influence heart wellness. High blood pressure, excess weight, and sedentary routines can increase risk over time, making regular check-ins with your healthcare provider an important part of preventive care.

For women, heart health deserves special attention. Factors such as pregnancy-related conditions, hormonal influences, and how symptoms present can differ from men, underscoring the importance of listening to your body and advocating for your health.

 

Listen to What Your Body Is Telling You

Heart-related symptoms don’t always look the same – and they’re not always dramatic. Fatigue, shortness of breath, discomfort in the back or jaw, nausea, or chest pressure that comes and goes can all be signals to pause and pay attention. Knowing these signs and acting early can reduce the risk of serious damage and improve outcomes.

 

Prevention Is a Powerful Tool

A heart-healthy lifestyle includes regular movement, balanced nutrition, stress reduction, and routine screenings. Advanced imaging, such as a preventive CT angiogram, can help detect early signs of heart disease before symptoms appear. Early detection empowers individuals to make informed lifestyle changes and work with their care team to protect their heart health.

A CT angiogram identifies early detection of heart disease by detecting plaque in the walls of your arteries before an obstructive heart attack occurs. Carrollton Regional Medical Center’s state-of-the-art 640-slice CT scanner, the first of its kind in North Texas, provides a three-second heart scan that uses a low dose of radiation and contrast. Call today or talk to your provider to see if a preventative CT angiogram is right for you.

 

Everyday Habits That Support Heart Health

While genetics and medical history play a role, daily lifestyle choices are powerful tools for protecting heart health. Simple, consistent habits can reduce risk and support long-term wellness:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet

• Get active

• Stay at a healthy weight

• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke

• Control cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure

• Drink alcohol only in moderation

• Manage stress

• Get enough sleep

 

Be Prepared, Be Confident

Caring for your heart also means being prepared to help others. Learning hands-only CPR and knowing how to use an AED are simple skills that can make a lifesaving difference in an emergency. Staying calm and acting quickly can help protect precious moments – and lives.

 

Make Heart Health a Daily Priority

A healthier heart isn’t built overnight. It’s shaped by daily choices, preventive care, and a commitment to well-being. This American Heart Month, take time to invest in yourself – because a healthy heart supports everything you love.

 

Carrollton Regional Medical Center is a 216 - bed Acute Care Hospital managed by Sana Healthcare. CRMC serves Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Lewisville, The Colony, and other surrounding communities. CRMC offers an array of services including 24/7 Emergency Care, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Imaging Services, Rehabilitation and Therapy Services, Cancer Care, a 16- bed Intensive Care Unit, Surgical Services, and an Inpatient Orthopedic Center of Excellence. Our Women’s Imaging Center is just 2 blocks north of the hospital and provides 3D digital mammography and other specialized breast procedures. CRMC is here to serve its community with high quality, patient-focused care, close to home. Visit www.crmc.health.

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Dr. Qian Wang, professor in biomedical sciences at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, is featured on the 22nd season premiere of History Channel’s “Ancient Aliens” series, now streaming on various platforms. “Skulls of the Gods” showcases the phenomena of artificial cranial deformations found worldwide. 

Wang, a biological anthropologist who spends some of his research time traveling the world to study skeletal remains from ancient burial sites, made international headlines in 2019 when he and other scientists announced the discovery of 25 skeletons, dating back roughly 5,000 years to 12,000 years, at a dig called Houtaomuga in northeast China. Eleven skeletons had skulls with artificially elongated braincases and flattened bones in the back of the heads, and the one dating back 12,000 years is believed to be the oldest example of artificial cranial deformation. 

“There are many theories as to why these elongated deformations were performed,” said Wang, who was interviewed for the “Ancient Aliens” documentary several months ago. “We humans constantly reshape our bodies and our minds. The elongated head could have symbolized and amplified the person’s higher status within the group. The head-binding practice could be humans reimagining themselves to look like gods and goddesses.” 

He said it’s possible the elongated head was paired with a head dressing, facial painting, fancy clothes, servants and an entourage.  

The skulls were people believed to be between 3 and 40 years old, including males and females. The oldest one was likely a man about 40 years old, Wang said. 

Houtaomuga was excavated from 2011 to 2015. Wang and researchers from Jilin University in China believe the deformations were performed in infancy by applying subtle pressure to babies’ skulls and wrapping their heads tightly with cloth and, sometimes, boards. The practice probably didn’t affect cognitive function. 

Wang initiated Global History of Health Project – Asia Module in 2018, an international collaborative effort that aims to learn more about ancient humans and how their health varied through environmental and social changes. That includes examining skeletal collections from China, Japan, Mongolia, India and other countries. 

Many of Wang’s studies on bones have been reported in scientific and general media outlets. He made international headlines in 2025 for the discovery of a 2,200-year-old Chinese burial of a young woman whose teeth were painted red with cinnabar, a toxic mineral made of mercury and sulfur. Wang named her Red Princess of the Silk Road and said she’s currently the first and only known example of cinnabar used to stain teeth. 

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Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell and Shelton Ethics Symposium keynote speaker Lynn McBee.

Shelton hosted the 24th annual Shelton Ethics Symposium: “Doing the Right Thing in a Changing World” on Friday, Jan. 23, welcoming juniors and seniors to Shelton’s Moody Fine Arts Center for a day of thoughtful conversation, real-world perspectives and ethical reflection.

This year’s symposium explored how ethics shapes decision-making across business, health care and the aerospace industry — fields where innovation, safety and accountability continue to challenge what it means to act responsibly and with integrity.

Students heard the Charge for the Day from Maggie Thomas (Shelton Class of 2013), co-founder and creative director of Parachute Studio, a Dallas-based creative studio specializing in branding, creative strategy and web development. Thomas earned her Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Sewanee: The University of the South, where she studied ethics. “We live in a very complex world and every decision we make has complex consequences,” Thomas said. “The time to start building your ethical compass is not someday. It’s right now.”

Keynote speaker Lynn McBee, Dallas’ workforce czar, CEO of the Young Women’s Preparatory Network and a longtime Dallas civic leader focused on workforce development, education and public-private partnerships, challenged students to think of ethics as something built through daily choices, not dramatic moments.

“Ethical practices are not simply about checking a box,” McBee said. “They’re about protecting your credibility. And credibility is what makes long-term success possible.” She explained that many ethical dilemmas do not present themselves as obvious right-or-wrong decisions, but rather as small moments where someone may be tempted to take shortcuts.

McBee encouraged students to focus on consistency and character, emphasizing that trust is earned over time. “Trust isn’t built in big moments, it’s built in ordinary ones,” she said. “When you keep your word and you do what you say you’re going to do, that’s how you earn loyalty, develop your reputation and your character.” 

Following the keynote and Charge for the Day, students rotated through three panel discussions, hearing from leaders about how ethics guides decision-making in their industries.

Healthcare Ethics Panel

A discussion focused on integrity, compassion and fairness in patient care and medical innovation.

  • Fred Grinnell, Ph.D., Robert McLemore Professor of Medical Science, UT Southwestern Medical Center
  • Reenu S. Eapen Rose, MD, board-certified pediatric cardiologist; mother of Shelton senior Evan Rose
  • Jennifer Wimberly, MD, MA, chair of the Institutional Ethics Committee and medical director of Clinical Ethics and Resiliency, Parkland Health

Business Ethics Panel

A conversation on how integrity and accountability guide decision-making in business, innovation and community leadership.

  • Jorge Baldor, chairman of After8toEducate
  • Jennifer Chandler, managing director and president of Bank of America Dallas; head of Philanthropic Solutions; mother of Shelton ninth-grader Harper Chandler 
  • Madison Carrier Perry (Shelton Class of 2011), financial advisor, Northwestern Mutual

Aerospace Ethics Panel

A panel exploring how integrity, safety and accountability guide decision-making in one of the world’s most complex and high-stakes industries.

  • Brittany Dinsmore, associate director and chief flight instructor, Texas Woman's University Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences
  • Ernest Huffman, program manager for congestion management and aviation planning, North Central Texas Council of Governments
  • Will Kresl (Shelton Class of 2017), stress engineer, Boeing

After lunch, students delved into ethical dilemmas and participated in group discussions, fostering critical thinking and collaboration. The symposium concluded with a final charge to carry forward the day’s lessons and make integrity a cornerstone of their future.

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The African American Museum, Dallas presents Icons of liberation: King and Mandela, an educational and interactive exhibit exploring the shared leadership values and global impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. The exhibit is open now through April 17, 2026. Free and open to the public, the Museum is located in the heart of historic Fair Park at 3536 Grand Ave., Dallas 75210.

Designed as a learning-centered experience, Icons of Liberation: King and Mandela invites children, families, educators and community groups to actively explore ideas of citizenship, leadership and standing for justice. Rather than a traditional walk-through, do-not-touch exhibit, the gallery features interactive activity stations that encourage visitors to pause, reflect, read, write and engage with the material in meaningful ways.

The exhibit also serves as a thematic introduction to the Museum’s upcoming presentation, Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition, opening June 13, 2026, and on view through Nov. 1, 2026.

Through photographs, historical texts, interpretive panels and hands-on learning tools, visitors are introduced to King and Mandela as central Icons of Liberation while also encountering additional local and national figures whose lives reflect courage, service and collective responsibility. These layered stories invite visitors to form personal connections and consider leadership as a daily practice grounded in values.

The exhibit further extends learning beyond the gallery by connecting the space to the Museum’s Carol and Royce West Library and Research Center. Visitors are welcomed into the reading room to browse selected materials from the African American Museum archives and library collections, encouraging deeper exploration, literacy and reflection. This intentional connection transforms a gallery visit into an extended learning experience rooted in primary sources and cultural history.

Icons of Liberation: King and Mandela is part of the Museum’s broader “Icons of Liberation” initiative, which uses education and public engagement to explore leadership across generations. Student activity materials and group-friendly learning experiences are available to support school visits, youth programs, faith communities and nonprofit organizations.

Admission is free. The Museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free self-parking is available in nearby lots.

To make group reservations for 10 or more, contact dstephenson@aamdallas.org. For more information, go to aamdallas.org.

About the African American Museum, Dallas. The African American Museum, Dallas, was founded in 1974 as a part of Bishop College and has operated independently since 1979. For more than 50 years, the African American Museum, Dallas has stood as a cultural beacon in Dallas and the southwestern United States. Located in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, the African American Museum, Dallas is the only museum in the Southwest devoted to the collection, preservation, and display of African American artistic, cultural and historical materials that relate to the African American experience. Anchored by ongoing funding from the City of Dallas through its Office of Arts and Culture, the Museum’s responsibility is to ensure that these irreplaceable treasures will endure to educate and inspire current and future generations. The African American Museum, Dallas incorporates a wide variety of visual art forms and historical documents that portray the African American experience in the nation, the Southwest and Dallas. The Museum has a small but rich collection of African art, African American fine art, and one of the largest African American folk art and decorative art collections in the United States. Learn more at aamdallas.org.

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Located at Juliette Fowler Communities, the preschool offers full-day, Montessori-inspired preschool at no cost to families served
 
Applications are now open for Bezos Academy Dallas - Lakewood at Juliette Fowler Communities (JFC), one of the oldest organizations in Dallas serving youth and seniors. With JFC’s partnership, Bezos Academy will operate a tuition-free, full-day, Montessori-inspired preschool on its campus starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Applications must be received by Friday, April 20 at 7 p.m. (Central time) to be included in a lottery system for placement.
 
Bezos Academy Dallas - Lakewood will feature three classrooms, a dedicated workspace for educators, and an outdoor play area. The program will have space for 60 children, ages 3-5. Bezos Academy covers operating expenses for its preschools at no cost to eligible families, providing everything the children need during the day, including meals and educational materials. The preschools’ Montessori-inspired approach is designed to meet every child where they are and to help them learn and grow at their own pace. The organization hires, trains, develops, and pays talented educators, and it provides everything that the children need during their day, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
 
Bezos Academy Dallas-Lakewood will be located at 1234 Abrams Road in Dallas. Families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level (about $132,000 per year for a family of four) with children aged 3 or 4 are eligible to apply.
 
All eligible applications received before the deadline (April 20, 2026, 7 p.m. CT) will be entered into the lottery. Applicants who do not meet the income requirement will receive an ineligibility notification after application. For more information and to apply go to apply.bezosacademy.org.
 
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Founded in 1892, Juliette Fowler Communities is a Dallas nonprofit serving people across generations. Located on 21-acres in East Dallas, Fowler provides housing and support for older adults, including independent and assisted living, memory care, middle-income apartments, and affordable senior housing. It serves young women at risk of homelessness through the Ebby House program and supports 700+ children, youth, and families through its family services and Youth Support Center. Fowler trains 100% of its staff in Hopeful Aging's "I'm Still Here" approach to dementia care, and it is home to the Dementia Friendly Dallas initiative. Recognized as an Intergenerational Program of Distinction, Fowler fosters a community for all ages to belong and thrive. The Bezos Academy Dallas-Lakewood Montessori preschool will open on Fowler’s campus in September 2026. Visit fowlercommunities.org or call 214.827.0813.
 
 
ABOUT BEZOS ACADEMY 
Bezos Academy is a nonprofit organization that is building a network of fully funded tuition-free preschools. Our preschools offer year-round, full-day programming, five days a week, for children from low-income families, ages 3-5 years old. Bezos Academy also provides students with all necessary educational supplies and services to set each student up for success, including Montessori materials, books, arts and crafts, field trips, and meals. For more information, visit www.bezosacademy.org.