Asian Culture and Education Society Concludes “Cultural Torchbearer” Youth Ambassador Pageant Competition

— Showcasing the Wisdom and Responsibility of a New Generation

(February 22, 2025, Dallas, USA) — The Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) successfully concluded its inaugural “Cultural Torchbearer” Youth Ambassador Pageant Competition

today. Breaking away from traditional beauty pageant norms, this competition embraced the core philosophy of “Beauty in Character, Wisdom in Responsibility”, incorporating cultural heritage, social responsibility, and well-rounded competencies to select outstanding youth representatives, awarding them the title of Cultural Ambassadors.

This competition went beyond external beauty, emphasizing intelligence, talent, and social awareness, providing young participants with a platform to showcase their confidence and charisma. Tonight, the stage was not graced by professional performers but by passionate young individuals dedicated to cultural preservation. With unwavering confidence, they embodied five millennia of civilization, delivering a cultural spectacle that transcended time and space. As the first-ever Youth Cultural Heritage Celebration hosted by ACAESUSA, the event demonstrated how Generation Z carries forward traditions through action and revitalizes heritage with youthful energy.

Throughout the competition, contestants showcased their unique charm and comprehensive abilities through talent performances, impromptu Q&A sessions, and thematic speeches. They addressed critical issues such as school friendships, mental health, social service, environmental awareness, autism advocacy, and responses to California wildfires, offering thoughtful insights into pressing societal concerns.

This event was not just a competition of beauty—it was a profound exchange of intellect and spirit. Contestants exemplified confidence, grace, and a positive outlook, embodying the essence of modern youth leadership.
"True beauty lies in the courage to challenge stereotypes with kindness and to bridge cultural divides with creativity," said Jan Xie, President of ACAESUSA, in her closing remarks. "These youth ambassadors were not merely chosen; they were selected by civilization itself to be its voice."

ACAESUSA remains committed to hosting similar events, offering young individuals more opportunities to express themselves and enhance their overall development, encouraging them to grow into well-rounded leaders who embody both beauty and wisdom.

About ACAESUSA

The Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) is dedicated to promoting cultural exchange, educational development, and social integration among Asian American communities and beyond. Through various cultural and educational initiatives, the organization empowers young people with cross-cultural understanding and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Media Contact

For media inquiries and partnership opportunities, please contact: info@acaesusa.org， Official Website: www.acaesusa.org

Celebrating 35 Years Fighting Alzheimer’s, Supporting Care Partners

 The kick-off for the AWARE Affair Boots, Buckles and Brain Health 2025 gala was graciously hosted by Gail Plummer and John Cattaneo at their home where guests enjoyed bites and cocktails in celebration of AWARE’s 35^th anniversary.  AWARE is a nonprofit organization that empowers North Texans to rise above the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, together.

 Karen Koop, AWARE’s president, welcomed the crowd with gala chair David McDavid Jr. and recognized Greg Osler, whose late wife, Amy Osler, is the namesake of the Amy Osler Spirit of Education Leadership Award. Karen also invited everyone attending to join Friends of AWARE, as the membership drive is ongoing and she said the benefits included receptions in private homes, educational luncheon meetings, special event invitations, the opportunity to become familiar with AWARE’s Grant Recipients and more.       

David encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for the gala happening on Friday, April 4, 2025 as it returns to Gilley’s for a boots, buckles and brain health evening with supporters coming together for a night fighting Alzheimer’s and supporting care partners. Guests will enjoy a delicious seated buffet dinner, dancing to The Breckenridge Band, lots of fun brain health activities, silent and live auction, and a meaningful evening with friends and family while raising money for AWARE.       

Trailblazer Presenting Sponsor is Anne Davidson. Honorary chairs are Bo and Jeff Parker. Honorary chairs emeriti are Sally and Forrest Hoglund, Lee Roy and Biddie Jordan, Venise and Larry Stuart, Todd Terry and Amy Terry Kriegel honoring the legacy of their mother, Ellen Terry.       

Venise Stuart will receive the Founder’s Spirit Award and Karisti Julia will receive Amy Osler Spirit of Education Leadership Award.           

Tickets and sponsorships will be published soon. Check the website for updates at www.awaredallas.org        

About AWARE: AWARE is a nonprofit organization that empowers North Texans to rise above the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, together. Since AWARE’s founding in 1989 by a group of volunteers, the Dallas-based organization has invested more than $14 million in local providers, researchers and innovators fighting for our loved ones and a cure. Every dollar that AWARE grants stays in North Texas to benefit the local community.

AWARE also invites North Texans to join Friends of AWARE—a community of individuals, caregivers and professionals with a vested interest in supporting the best care in our region today and hope for a cure tomorrow. Individuals navigating the challenges of these diseases—including patients, caregivers and professionals—connect, learn and advocate for solutions in North Texas.

The community can support AWARE’s mission by joining Friends of AWARE, attending its annual signature fundraiser, AWARE Affair, or making a donation. Join Friends of AWARE at www.awaredallas.org. Together with compassion and dedication we can make a difference. Instagram: @awaredallas   Facebook: @awaredallas

AWARE is a component fund of The Dallas Foundation, a 501c3 publicly supported charity.

AWARE Dallas 2024-2025 Grant Recipients

Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation:   Support toward the salary of a Care and Support Specialist at the Baylor Scott and White Memory Center.  The Specialist guides patients and families with education, training, support groups, elder law, financial planning, and a 24/7 helpline.

Bishop Arts Theater Center:   Support for the continuation and expansion of the Creative Aging Program.  The program incorporates stories, music, visual arts, and dance to improve the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias living in predominantly low-income memory care facilities.

Center for Brain Health:  (The University of Texas at Dallas)  Support for printing and distributing 1,000 copies of the Guide to Proactive Steps (GPS), a resource book for people affected by Alzheimer’s, and for developing and launching GPS seminars and one-on-one consultations.

Dallas Symphony Association:   Support for DSO Cares, a series of free, one-hour concerts presented within senior living facilities and hospitals in the greater Dallas community. The program features chamber music performances by select DSO musicians who perform in duets, trios, or quartets for audiences.

For Love and Art:   Support for the continuation of the Celebrating the Art Experience, an hour-long therapeutic visual arts engagement program that is presented by volunteer “Art Angel” docents in memory care facilities throughout the greater North Texas area. Docents showcase art images from partner museums around the world and stimulate conversations with program participants.

Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas:  Support for the Older Adults Program to expand in-home mental health counseling, care management, and daily living support to older adults living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, allowing them to remain living in their own home.

Juliette Fowler Communities:   Support for Fowler’s campus-wide dementia care initiatives which include the Continuation of Cognitive Health, I’m Still Here®, Dementia Friendly Dallas, music therapy, and caregiver support.

NorthPark Presbyterian Church:   Support for Casa de Vida, a program at the church designed to give respite relief to caregivers by providing trained one-on-one care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias.

Plano Symphony Orchestra:   Support for Healing Notes, a program designed to provide free music-therapy concerts by professional musicians to residents with Alzheimer’s and related dementias who live in predominately low-income memory care centers.

The Senior Source:   Support for Senior Companions, a program that matches compassionate and trained older adult volunteers with home-bound older adults living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias to provide respite to family caregivers and help with meals, errands, and light housekeeping.

Stomping Ground Comedy Center:   Support for Improv for Caregivers, a fun and interactive program that uses improvisational comedy techniques to teach effective communication skills that are specific to the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Texas Winds Musical Outreach:   Support for the Concerts for Seniors program, which provides interactive concerts in nursing homes and adult day care facilities bringing joy, relief from isolation, and peace to individuals affected by memory loss.

The University of Texas at Dallas  (Lab of Dr. Chandramallika Basak): Support for the purchase of a portable Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) system that will include physiological measures, allowing for neural and physiological data collection from various locations in the brain, add convenience to patients, and allow the expansion of the study of brain aging beyond the laboratory.

The University of Texas at Dallas  (Lab of Dr. Kristen Kennedy):   Support to add measures of newly discovered blood-based markers of neural and glial structural health to the University’s NIH funded longitudinal study.  If these new cellular markers that are readily available from a simple blood draw can be closely linked with how well brain cells are aging or degrading, then powerful, noninvasive biomarkers can be found for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.

Wilshire Baptist Church:   Support for Friday Friends, a program addressing the need to provide respite to those who care for a dementia relative at home, and who have little or no assistance for relieving them of the constant care and supervision of their loved one, while providing a stimulating day of art, music and games for the individual with Alzheimer’s.

Myrna D, Schlegel AWARE Scholarship Fund:  Support for nursing students at Baylor University, Texas Women’s University, and Texas Christian University toward their studies in gerontology, especially in the field of dementia.

Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

2025 Reed and Stanley Graff Texas History Symposium Features Two Dynamic Speakers

Join us on Saturday, February 22, 2025

Sponsored by the Dallas Historical Society | CPE credit is available for educators

There is a very special treat in store for Dallas Historical Society (DHS) members and all Alamo and history enthusiasts on Saturday, February 22nd at the 2025 Reed and Stanley Graff Texas History Symposium sponsored by DHS. The event features two dynamic speakers: Ernesto Rodriguez III, Senior Historian at the Alamo and Sherri Driscoll, who from 2010 to 2024 served as the Director of Education for the Alamo, designing and coordinating programming for students, contributing to their understanding of Texas History.
        
Ernesto is a San Antonio native and has devoted over 25 years to historical research at this incredible site. His deep knowledge and love for the Alamo’s story and Texas history was recognized in 2019 when he was promoted from Associate Curator to Curator. As Curator, Ernesto is dedicated to the scholarly research that underpins both interpretive planning for the Alamo museum and a greater understanding of the Alamo’s archive and artifact collections.
        
This entertaining and informative symposium begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Hall of State in Fair Park at 3939 Grand Ave. Dallas, Texas 75210. The event is free and open to the public. Parking is free. Free continental breakfast. CPE credit is available for educators.  Register now! What a fun Saturday!
        
Plus afterwards, go right next door to the interactive massive diorama of the Alamo, Texas Liberty Forever,  ( https://www.dallashistory.org/exhibitions/ ) and use the iPads to hear the sounds of the battle, see close-up images and hear brief explanations of the different scenes. The app can also be downloaded to your own cell phone to experience this fabulous diorama. 
        
Created by Pennsylvania-based artist Thomas Feely Jr. over 18 years and stretching across 336 square feet, the Texas Liberty Forever! diorama is the largest depiction of its kind and serves as the centerpiece of the Battle of the Alamo Exhibit at the Hall of State. The re-creation of the besieged Alamo compound features over 2,000 hand-painted figures sculpted in 1/32 scale (54 mm).
        
Karl Chiao is the executive director of the Dallas Historical Society and Charles Lipscomb is board chair.
        
The 2025 Reed and Stanley Graff Texas History Symposium is funded by a donation from Dallas native Stan Graff with the goal of preserving the history of Texas by bringing educational and informative speakers to the Dallas Historical Society's Hall of State, and to invite participation by the general public in these free events.       
        
For more information, the public can contact David Lee at (214) 421-4500 ext. 104,  email education@dallashistory.org  and visit the website to register at  https://www.dallashistory.org/event/10567/?instance_id=737   

The Dallas Historical Society: Whether someone is new to Dallas or a native Texan, the Dallas Historical Society offers programs and exhibits that educate and inform visitors about their home city and reveal insights and little-known facts that one might be unable to attain from history books alone, especially with the museum’s newest permanent exhibit, the interactive Texas Liberty Forever: The Battle of the Alamo diorama by Thomas Feely.

Ongoing events include Brown Bag Lectures, An Evening With programs, and Pour Yourself Into History happy hours. Join in discovering more about Dallas and take part in one or more of these wonderful programs. Visit the website for more information at www.dallashistory.org

The Dallas Historical Society Celebrated Its Centennial Year In 2022 

The stories of Dallas are shared each day at the Dallas Historical Society through the three million items that comprise our archives and artifact collections. Established in 1922, the Dallas Historical Society collects, preserves, and exhibits the unique heritage of Dallas and Texas to educate and inspire future generations.

Housed at the Hall of State in Fair Park since 1938, DHS presents these collections through education programs, exhibitions, tours, access to research materials and workshops. 

Among the three million historical artifacts at DHS are such treasures as Sam Houston’s handwritten account of the Battle of San Jacinto, the only known original Juneteenth document, James Fannin’s watch, and Santa Anna’s spurs. The DHS collection houses over 10,000 bound volumes and receives more than 1,500 research requests annually.

Each year, the Dallas Historical Society is visited by over 160,000 people and serves more than 20,000 students through guided tours and educational programming at the Hall of State, as well as outreach programs at schools. Visit the website for more information at www.dallashistory.org        IG: @dallashistory  FB: @DallasHistoricalSociety 

 Courtesy photos DHS.

By Nida Noor, MD, WellMed at Arlington North

February is recognized as American Heart Month, a health observance that encourages Americans to focus on their cardiovascular health and understand the importance of adopting healthier behaviors that can decrease the risk of serious health outcomes, such as a heart attack or stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States.

By adopting healthier lifestyle habits, individuals can learn to incorporate small, but powerful, changes into their day-to-day routines that can help prevent heart disease. The CDC states that living a healthier lifestyle can help keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels normal and may help lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack.

Living a longer, healthier life starts with taking care of your heart. Here are six lifestyle habits that can be implemented today that may improve not only the heart, but whole-body health.

Choose Healthy Foods and Drinks.  By choosing healthy meals and snacks, you may help prevent heart disease and heart complications.Be sure to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, and less processed foods. Eating foods high in fiber and low in saturated and trans fats can help prevent high cholesterol.  Since drinking alcohol can raise your blood pressure, if you choose to drink, limit the amount of alcohol consumed to no more than one drink per day for women, and no more than 2 drinks per day for men. 

1. Keep a Healthy Weight.  Maintaining healthy weight is important.  People who are overweight or suffer from obesity have a higher risk of heart disease. Extra weight can put extra stress on the blood vessels and the heart.

2. Get Regular Physical Activity.  Any physical activity is better than none.  It can be helpful to choose an activity that you enjoy, such as biking, yoga, walking, swimming or tennis. Physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, and help lower your blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. For adults, the Surgeon General recommends at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking or biking, every week for heart health.  For adolescents and children, it is recommended they get at least 1 hour of physical activity daily.

Disclaimer: Talk with your doctor before significantly increasing your activity level. This is especially important for those with underlying medical conditions. Ask about the amounts and types of activities that may be best for you.

3. Don’t Smoke.  Cigarette smoking and tobacco use can increase your risk of heart disease. If you are a non-smoker, do not start.  If you smoke, quitting will lower your risk for heart disease.  Talk to your doctor to learn about ways to help you quit.

4. Take Charge of Your Medical Conditions.  If you have a medical condition such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, you can take steps to help lower your risk of heart disease. Monitor your cholesterol as recommended by your health care provider, check your blood pressure on a regular basis, and manage your blood sugar levels if you have pre-diabetes or diabetes. If you take medication to treat any of these diseases, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Never stop taking medication without first talking to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

5. Get Good Sleep.  Getting a good night’s sleep isn’t just important for your energy levels, it is also critical for your heart health.   Adults who do not get at least 7 hours of sleep each night are more likely to have had health problems such as heart attack, asthma and depression, some of which can raise the risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Some things you can do to get better sleep include sticking to a regular sleep schedule, do not eat or drink within a few hours of bedtime, keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, and get enough physical activity during the day.

It’s true that some habits are hard to break but remember that small steps can lead to big victories.  Take one habit at a time and with a series of small changes you are on your way to a healthier lifestyle and healthier heart.

Dr. Nida Noor specializes in family medicine with WellMed at Arlington North.  Dr. Noor received her medical degree from Lahore Medical and Dental College in Punjab, Pakistan; completed her residency at Reid Health (KCU-GME Consortium) in Richmond, Indiana, and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. She is fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi. Dr. Noor provides patients with personalized care focusing on prevention, staying well and living healthier.

Resources:

• Preventing Heart Disease | Heart Disease | CDC
• American Heart Month Communications Toolkit | Heart Disease | CDC
• Heart Disease Facts | Heart Disease | CDC
• About Sleep and Your Heart Health | Heart Disease | CDC

Dwell with Dignity, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through design, celebrated the grand reveal of its largest project to date: a library transformation at Dallas ISD’s Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy (BOMLA). The Eula Harris-Williams Library Media Center, which has been transformed into a vibrant hub for learning and growth, reflects the vision of more than 400 students who shared their ideas for the transformation.

“This library is a testament to what thoughtful design can achieve and the heart of what our work is about,” said Teresa Charnock, executive director of Dwell with Dignity. “It’s been an incredible honor to help bring the vision of the BOMLA community to life. Their creativity and insight have shaped a space that will serve as a foundation for learning, connection and growth for years to come.”

Members of the BOMLA community, including students, educators and local leaders, gathered to celebrate the library’s transformation. The event included remarks from Nakia Douglas, founding principal of BOMLA, and Chris Blackburn of Texas Counter Fitters, lead sponsor, as well as performances by the BOMLA band and a tour of the transformed spaces.

Renovated spaces include:

• Library: A welcoming environment with updated seating for reading, studying and group collaboration.
• Campus Community Hub: A space where students can access uniforms, school supplies, toiletries and food, underwritten by United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.
• Podcast Room: A creative studio for students to record and share their stories.
• Student Success Center: A private space for college and career counseling, helping first-generation college-bound students prepare for the future.
• Historical and Art Center: A showcase of Oak Cliff’s rich history through photography and student artwork.
• STEM Learning Space: Featuring stones, gems and minerals donated by Texas Counter Fitters, this hands-on area introduces students to geology and STEM learning.

“This library is more than a transformation – it’s a testament to the potential within our students and the power of their voices,” said Nakia Douglas, founding principal of BOMLA. “It’s a space where their ideas come to life, and they can find the tools, inspiration and support to pursue their dreams with confidence.”

The transformation of the BOMLA library was a collaborative effort between Dwell with Dignity, BOMLA and key sponsors including Texas Counter Fitters, lead sponsor, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and the State Fair of Texas. Their generous contributions and commitment to the BOMLA community helped turn the vision for this library into a reality.

ABOUT DWELL WITH DIGNITY:
Founded in 2009, Dwell with Dignity is a Dallas-based nonprofit with a mission to transform lives through design. By providing and installing interiors for family homes and community spaces for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness, the transformations inspire people to lead their best lives and thrive in a safe, functional and beautiful environment. Dwell with Dignity has completed more than 250 home design projects and 50 community spaces, and in 2024 the organization served more than 3,000 people through their home and community projects. The nonprofit is backed by the support of over 100 designers, 1,100 dedicated volunteers and 150 sponsors and donors. Learn more at www.dwellwithdignity.org.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES:

Chris Blackburn, Founder and Owner, Texas Counter Fitters:
“The young men of Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy are incredibly impressive. They are dedicated to their studies and shine outside the classroom as well, demonstrating talents in music, photography and art. We understand the power of having a beautiful space to inspire these young minds. That’s why we wanted to partner with Dwell with Dignity to transform the library AND create a brand new podcast room for the boys to tell their stories.”

Jessica Vitela, Manager, Community Relations and Events, State Fair of Texas:
“At the State Fair of Texas, our mission extends far beyond 24 days. We are deeply committed to strengthening our community through education, growth and opportunity. Supporting projects like this library reflects our dedication to creating spaces where students can learn, dream and prepare for a brighter future.”

Ashley Douglas, Vice President, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas / Southern Dallas Thrives / PepsiCo:
“United Way Metropolitan’s Southern Dallas Thrives initiative is excited to expand our campus-based Community Hub resources and services to Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy. Designed to holistically support sector scholars through targeted academic engagement and resources that help families thrive, we are thrilled to increase this network of support on the campus. Through this collaborative approach alongside community partners, we are committed to ensuring that our students remain positioned to continue to thrive.

“This transformation of the library space will provide new motivation, inspiration and opportunities for all of our stakeholders. Not to mention, it will create new resources for increasing levels of success for the BOMLA community. The possibilities are endless. Thanks go out to Dwell with Dignity and the United Way for empowering the future of BOMLA.”

Mr. D. Legington, M.Ed./CI, Visual Arts Educator, The Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy:

“This transformation of the library space will provide new motivation, inspiration and opportunities for all of our stakeholders. Not to mention, it will create new resources for increasing levels of success for the BOMLA community. The possibilities are endless. Thanks go out to, Dwell with Dignity and the United Way for empowering the future of BOMLA.”

Mr. Lawrence Stokes Jr., Library Media Specialist, The Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy:
“This transformation of the library would put new life into the heartbeat of this school.  The library is the focus point of all small gatherings in the school. Its use goes far beyond our students, faculty and staff, but for our community and other visitors. "This 2025 Transformation gives us a heighten sense of pride and joy as the central hub of higher learning through reading, art, music, and technology. Thank you, Dwell with Dignity and United Way."