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Patricia Chi
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The UIL Region I Cross Country Championships, held on October 22, 2024, at Mae Simmons Park in Lubbock, Texas, brought together over 30 high school teams vying for a spot at the state meet. Competing across multiple classifications, including the fiercely competitive 6A division, both boys and girls delivered remarkable performances. Among the standouts, Maya Easterwood from the 6A Girls division claimed an impressive 2nd place, while Pranav Vegiraju led the 6A Boys team to a solid 10th-place finish.

 

 

Individual and Team Highlights

Top Performers for 6A Boys: 

  • Pranav Vegiraju - 18th Place, 16:04.2
  • Grant O'Neal - 47th Place, 16:44.4
  • Rohit Kalpathy - 63rd Place, 17:04.3
  • Team Placement: 10th Place

 

Coach Wren commented on the boys' performance:

“The Varsity Boys had a disappointing day and finished 10th overall. We had a bit of bad luck that didn't help matters. We definitely had bigger aspirations, but the boys gave it all that they had, and I was proud of them for that. Looking back on the year, we have a lot to be proud of. We accomplished a lot as a team this season. They are a great group of young men, and I look forward to working with them during track season and seeing what they can accomplish.”

 

 

 

Top Performers for 6A Girls:

  • Maya Easterwood - 2nd Place, 17:25.3

 

Coach Wren praised Maya, saying: 

“I was excited to watch Maya run on the Lubbock course again. She ran really well on it back in September with very little competition. I knew she had the chance to go much faster against the top girls from Region 1. She ran extremely well once again, improving her time by close to 40 seconds. She didn't get the win but finished 2nd overall and has a chance to win a state championship on November 1 in Round Rock. Maya has had an unbelievable year, and I can't wait to watch her at the State Championship. She is getting faster and faster as the year goes on.”

 

  

Looking Ahead

The final race of the season, the UIL 6A State Cross Country Championship, will take place at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, Texas, on November 1-2, 2024. After her strong performance at the regional meet, Maya Easterwood will represent our team at the state level. She will compete against the top runners from across Texas, aiming to conclude her season with an outstanding performance at the state's most prestigious cross-country event.

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

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EMPOWER, a nonprofit child welfare collaborative, is hosting a luggage drive on Friday, November 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to provide children in foster care with their own luggage. Luggage can be donated by dropping off in person at EMPOWER’s offices in Dallas and Allen, or by shopping the Amazon wish list up until Nov. 2, where the items will ship directly to EMPOWER’s office when selecting “EMPOWER’s Gift Registry Address” at checkout.

  • Dallas office: 1820 Regal Row, Dallas, TX 75235

  • Allen office: 760 North Watters Road, Suite 100, Allen, TX 75013

Every 45 seconds, a child enters foster care in the United States and is removed from everything they have ever known. In Texas, there are currently more than 13,000 children in the foster care system. 

EMPOWER is the Community-Based Care (CBC) contractor in Metroplex East region, a nine-county area in North Texas including Dallas, Grayson, Fannin, Collin, Hunt, Rockwall, Kaufman, Ellis and Navaro counties. The goal is to collect 400 brand new suitcases, providing luggage for children in foster care within the Metroplex East region. 

Many of these children have to carry their belongings in an old backpack, a laundry basket or a garbage bag, inadvertently sending a message that their personal possessions lack value. With the luggage drive, the goal is to provide children with their own piece of luggage to give them a sense of dignity as they are going through this difficult transition. 

To learn more about how individuals and families can help these children in need, please visit www.3empower.org.

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On Saturday, November 2 at 7:30 PM, at Cathedral of Hope located at 5910 Cedar Springs Road, the Turtle Creek Chorale’s combined ensembles will present Craig Hella Johnson’s moving oratorio, “Considering Matthew Shepard,” in conjunction with Cathedral of Hope and The Women’s Chorus of Dallas.

Inspired by the tragic 1988 murder of a young gay man, Matthew Shepard, renowned conductor Craig Hella Johnson composed this compassionate and evocative musical response that fills audiences with hope and joy. Heartbreaking in its honesty and hopeful in its prophecy, this performance will combine theater, narration, and a soulful score, astonishing you with its beauty and power. 

Tickets for the performance are available for purchase on the Turtle Creek Chorale website here and range from $25 - $50.

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The most anticipated movie event of the year is almost here - WICKED premieres Friday, November 22, after two decades as one of the world’s most beloved Broadway musicals. 

Dust off your wand and don your finest witch’s hat for Galaxy Theatres Grandscape's Green & Pink Party on Saturday, November 23, at 12pm.

Green & Pink Party tickets are available now for $30.00 per person. Each ticket includes:

  • One ticket to a Saturday, Nov 23 screening of WICKED

  • Large popcorn

  • Large drink in a collectible Ozian cup

Test your knowledge of Glinda & Elphaba’s years at Shiz University with trivia for a chance to win fabulous limited edition Ozian prizes. 

Specialty-themed cocktails and collectible concessions will be available through the premiere weekend. 

Galaxy Theatres is located at 5740 Grandscape Blvd Ste. 100, The Colony, TX 75056. 

Tickets to WICKEDare available now on the theater’s website.

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Courtesy of UNT Dallas

One of its largest events of the year, The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) will host its annual True Blue Preview Day for high school juniors and seniors and college transfer students on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The open house event provides an opportunity for prospective students and their families to visit the campus for an exploratory look at everything UNT Dallas has to offer. UNT Dallas is the only public, accredited four-year university in the city of Dallas, offering dozens of undergraduate programs and majors in four schools: Business, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Behavioral Health and Human Services.

The university also boasts the city’s only public law school and a new STEM building that will expand pathways to healthcare careers when it opens in late 2025 for the Spring 2026 semester.

True Blue Preview Day invites prospective students and their families to tour the campus and interact with current students, alumni, academic advisors, career counselors, financial aid experts, and student success advocates. Tours will cover classrooms, study and collaborative spaces, athletic areas, the residence hall and cafeteria as well as the Student Center. 

Also on hand will be UNT Dallas faculty and staff committed to academic success, experiential education, and ensuring today’s students are career-ready for high-demand jobs in a competitive workforce and inspired to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Students attending will be entered into a drawing to be one of 10 students to receive a book credit award valued up to $750. The award can be redeemed at the UNT Dallas Bookstore for books and classroom materials for one semester. Recipients must be present to receive bookstore credit and be enrolled in a UNT Dallas degree program.

With a focus on supporting first-generation and other first-time college students, university staff will help students design the next steps of their educational journey, customizing a path to success that best fits their career interests, budget, and life on and off campus.

Because of its academic rigor, educational and financial value, and commitment to improving students' socioeconomic mobility, UNT Dallas continues to rise in national rankings. 

U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” publication ranked UNT Dallas #35 in Regional Universities West, higher than the previous year. This puts the university in the top tier of all the regional colleges and universities evaluated, which includes 118 public and private institutions from 14 states. UNT Dallas also moved up in the Washington Monthly's annual rankings of universities and colleges. The 2024 annual list names UNT Dallas in its “Best Bang for Your Buck” category in the South region.

UNT Dallas is located at 7300 University Hills Blvd. in southern Dallas. Parking is free. To find the schedule and register, go to untdallas.edu. For questions, please email visit@untdallas.edu.

About UNT Dallas
The newest member of the UNT System, the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) is the city's only public four-year university. Located in southern Dallas and serving more than 3,400 students, UNT Dallas offers students a world-class, innovative education focused on career readiness and socioeconomic mobility. UNT Dallas is passionately committed to developing, nurturing and empowering the next generation of servant leaders in North Texas. For more information about the University of North Texas at Dallas, visit untdallas.edu.

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Courtesy of UNT Dallas

One of its largest events of the year, The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) will host its annual True Blue Preview Day for high school juniors and seniors and college transfer students on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The open house event provides an opportunity for prospective students and their families to visit the campus for an exploratory look at everything UNT Dallas has to offer. UNT Dallas is the only public, accredited four-year university in the city of Dallas, offering dozens of undergraduate programs and majors in four schools: Business, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Behavioral Health and Human Services.

The university also boasts the city’s only public law school and a new STEM building that will expand pathways to healthcare careers when it opens in late 2025 for the Spring 2026 semester.

True Blue Preview Day invites prospective students and their families to tour the campus and interact with current students, alumni, academic advisors, career counselors, financial aid experts, and student success advocates. Tours will cover classrooms, study and collaborative spaces, athletic areas, the residence hall and cafeteria as well as the Student Center. 

Also on hand will be UNT Dallas faculty and staff committed to academic success, experiential education, and ensuring today’s students are career-ready for high-demand jobs in a competitive workforce and inspired to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Students attending will be entered into a drawing to be one of 10 students to receive a book credit award valued up to $750. The award can be redeemed at the UNT Dallas Bookstore for books and classroom materials for one semester. Recipients must be present to receive bookstore credit and be enrolled in a UNT Dallas degree program.

With a focus on supporting first-generation and other first-time college students, university staff will help students design the next steps of their educational journey, customizing a path to success that best fits their career interests, budget, and life on and off campus.

Because of its academic rigor, educational and financial value, and commitment to improving students' socioeconomic mobility, UNT Dallas continues to rise in national rankings. 

U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” publication ranked UNT Dallas #35 in Regional Universities West, higher than the previous year. This puts the university in the top tier of all the regional colleges and universities evaluated, which includes 118 public and private institutions from 14 states. UNT Dallas also moved up in the Washington Monthly's annual rankings of universities and colleges. The 2024 annual list names UNT Dallas in its “Best Bang for Your Buck” category in the South region.

UNT Dallas is located at 7300 University Hills Blvd. in southern Dallas. Parking is free. To find the schedule and register, go to untdallas.edu. For questions, please email visit@untdallas.edu.

About UNT Dallas
The newest member of the UNT System, the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) is the city's only public four-year university. Located in southern Dallas and serving more than 3,400 students, UNT Dallas offers students a world-class, innovative education focused on career readiness and socioeconomic mobility. UNT Dallas is passionately committed to developing, nurturing and empowering the next generation of servant leaders in North Texas. For more information about the University of North Texas at Dallas, visit untdallas.edu.

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Courtesy of UNT Dallas

One of its largest events of the year, The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) will host its annual True Blue Preview Day for high school juniors and seniors and college transfer students on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The open house event provides an opportunity for prospective students and their families to visit the campus for an exploratory look at everything UNT Dallas has to offer. UNT Dallas is the only public, accredited four-year university in the city of Dallas, offering dozens of undergraduate programs and majors in four schools: Business, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Behavioral Health and Human Services.

The university also boasts the city’s only public law school and a new STEM building that will expand pathways to healthcare careers when it opens in late 2025 for the Spring 2026 semester.

True Blue Preview Day invites prospective students and their families to tour the campus and interact with current students, alumni, academic advisors, career counselors, financial aid experts, and student success advocates. Tours will cover classrooms, study and collaborative spaces, athletic areas, the residence hall and cafeteria as well as the Student Center. 

Also on hand will be UNT Dallas faculty and staff committed to academic success, experiential education, and ensuring today’s students are career-ready for high-demand jobs in a competitive workforce and inspired to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Students attending will be entered into a drawing to be one of 10 students to receive a book credit award valued up to $750. The award can be redeemed at the UNT Dallas Bookstore for books and classroom materials for one semester. Recipients must be present to receive bookstore credit and be enrolled in a UNT Dallas degree program.

With a focus on supporting first-generation and other first-time college students, university staff will help students design the next steps of their educational journey, customizing a path to success that best fits their career interests, budget, and life on and off campus.

Because of its academic rigor, educational and financial value, and commitment to improving students' socioeconomic mobility, UNT Dallas continues to rise in national rankings. 

U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” publication ranked UNT Dallas #35 in Regional Universities West, higher than the previous year. This puts the university in the top tier of all the regional colleges and universities evaluated, which includes 118 public and private institutions from 14 states. UNT Dallas also moved up in the Washington Monthly's annual rankings of universities and colleges. The 2024 annual list names UNT Dallas in its “Best Bang for Your Buck” category in the South region.

UNT Dallas is located at 7300 University Hills Blvd. in southern Dallas. Parking is free. To find the schedule and register, go to untdallas.edu. For questions, please email visit@untdallas.edu.

About UNT Dallas
The newest member of the UNT System, the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) is the city's only public four-year university. Located in southern Dallas and serving more than 3,400 students, UNT Dallas offers students a world-class, innovative education focused on career readiness and socioeconomic mobility. UNT Dallas is passionately committed to developing, nurturing and empowering the next generation of servant leaders in North Texas. For more information about the University of North Texas at Dallas, visit untdallas.edu.

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Steering Committee – photo by Tamytha Cameron

 

 

Students can still register to be on the Steering Committee

 

Detroit native Brandon Williams, known globally as 13LACKBEARD, will headline the 67th Annual Junior Symphony Ball (JSB) when he takes over the iconic Gilley's Dallas for a night of music and dancing on February 1, 2025. 

13LACKBEARD is dominating the dance music scene, bringing the legendary sounds of Detroit and Chicago to the world stage. A powerhouse performer, visionary artist, producer and DJ, 13LACKBEARD has rocked the stage alongside icons like Beyoncé, The Eagles, Taylor Swift, Post Malone, Kaskade, and Tiesto. His high-profile career hit new heights as Nelly’s official DJ for the “Lil Bit of Music Series,” followed by his electrifying performances on the Mount Westmore Tour with legends Ice Cube, Too Short, and Snoop Dogg. 

But 13LACKBEARD doesn’t stop there! As the official DJ for the Dallas Cowboys, he turns game day into a spectacle like no other, setting the stadium on fire with jaw-dropping energy. Hyping over 50,000 fans, alongside the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and the Rhythm & Blue Drumline, 13LACKBEARD delivers an experience fans can’t forget—from the first note to the final whistle, he’s the heartbeat of the Dallas Cowboys game-day excitement. 

The Junior Symphony Ball is a fundraising event where students from over 35 Dallas area schools come together and celebrate an evening filled with live music, dancing, professionally staffed gaming tables, raffles, prizes, and refreshments. 

To get involved, sophomores, juniors, and seniors can still register to be on the Steering Committee with tickets beginning at $395. General Admission tickets will be available in January, 2025 for $175. Click Here to register online.

JSB is in its 67th year and is the longest running fundraiser of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL), supporting DSO outreach programs such as the Young Strings program and the Young Musicians program. 

 

 

 

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Dallas-area nonprofits can now apply to be considered for a grant from the annual Chi Omega Christmas Market, which was started by the Dallas-area alumnae in 1978 to live out its mission to serve others. In its 46-year history, COCM has donated more than $10.4 million to support more than 146 different worthy Dallas-area nonprofits that serve our community in the categories of arts, civic, education, and health and welfare.

“Each year Chi Omega Christmas Market supports a diverse array of nonprofit organizations that represent some of the most critical needs in the Dallas community, as well as collegiate scholarships,” said Emily Thorsen Blair, 2024- 2025 Beneficiary Chairperson. “We are so grateful to our community, shoppers, patrons and sponsors who support the Market and allow us to donate essential funds each year to these deserving beneficiaries.” 

Chi Omega Christmas Market will only consider applications from nonprofit organizations that address specific needs in our community in areas including the Arts, Civic, Education, Health, and Welfare. To be considered for Chi Omega Christmas Market grant funding, organizations MUST: 

  • Have a minimum request of $50,000 

  • Be tax-exempt for a minimum of three (3) years under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 

  • The services or project for which funding is sought must be performed or located in Dallas County, Texas.  If an organization’s services benefit areas outside of Dallas County, Dallas County recipients of such services must represent more than 75 percent of the total.  The seat of the organization must be located in the Dallas metroplex.

  • Organizations who have received funds from COCM 2022, 2023 or 2024 are not eligible to apply. We invite applications for Chi Omega Christmas funding three years after receiving funds.

Nonprofit organizations that meet the criteria listed above, may complete the Google Form at this link: https://www.chiomegachristmasmarket.org/beneficiary-application. The application deadline is December 6, 2024. Please reach out to cocmbeneficiaryfiles@gmail.com with any questions.

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Students receiving backpacks

Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo, founders of the Lone Star Monarchs (LSM), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, worked together with the Dallas Police Association and DISD to provide 250 clear backpacks full of school supplies to students at the James S. Hogg Elementary School.
        
The team of Lone Star Monarchs’ supporters contributing to this project also included Anna Berman, Laurie Drazner, Kelly Harris, Jeanne Lewis, Bodii Lim, Kunthear Mam-Douglas, Diane Moten, Debbie Murray, and Elizabeth Smith.   
        
“While the start of a new school year is an exciting time for most families, many parents struggle to provide basic school necessities for their children.  That is why Lone Star Monarchs is proud to partner with these organizations to provide 250 clear backpacks filled with educator-requested school supplies, because we believe every child deserves to have the tools necessary for a fun and successful school year,” Regina said. “In addition to the backpacks, we presented them a check for $2,500 so educators can also purchase additional supplies as needed.  Together, we support them and the important work they are doing to help these children learn and do well in school and in life.”
        
Jaime Castro, President, Dallas Police Association, says that he knows all too well how having the right tools to start the school year strong allows students to show up and engage in the classroom without unnecessary barriers to success. He further stated that he is "grateful to Lone Star Monarchs for partnering with the DPA to provide these 250 backpacks filled with school supplies as well as other supplies teachers at Hogg Elementary School need to further the educational needs of their underserved students in the classroom. Donating school supplies is one way to support our teachers while helping to give them the respect they deserve.” 

“I am deeply grateful for the collaboration between Lone Star Monarchs and the Dallas Police Association to provide our students with the supplies they need to start the school year.  Having their own supplies contributes to their overall excitement and motivation to learn.  These essential donations help make sure our students walk into their classroom prepared and confident to thrive in their learning environment," said Toni Molina, Principal, Hogg New Tech Elementary School.

Lone Star Monarchs’ mission is to inspire and nurture the human spirit, as together, members build an effective network of individuals and organizations to support a broad spectrum of charitable organizations in Dallas and throughout Texas.  LSM’s purpose is exclusively educational and charitable to connect people and enrich lives.  www.lonestarmonarchs.org

Dallas Independent School District’s mission is to educate all students for success. www.dallasisd.org 

Dallas Police Association:  Founded in 1959, the DPA is the oldest and largest police employee organization in Dallas. The sole purpose of the DPA is to represent Dallas Police Officers in matters relating to employment, benefits and general well-being.  Located in Dallas’ historic Cedars Neighborhood, the DPA facilities are member-owned and include administrative offices, conference/training facilities and a party space, with ample and secure on-site parking.  Membership is open to all active and reserve Dallas Police Officers only.  The DPA is the original and largest police employee group for Dallas Police Officers and has over 4,000 active and retired members.  www.dallaspa.org

James S. Hogg New Tech Elementary School’s mission is to Motivate. Inspire. Prepare.  We empower students to become co-designers of their education through project-based learning. https://www.dallasisd.org/hogg

 

Photos by Danny Campbell