By Angelo Piersanti

During the 2024–2025 school year, Zac Ladd, Shelton Assistant Head of Upper School, and Tripp Givens, Shelton Upper School Engineering and Film Faculty, launched Shelton’s inaugural semester-long Urban Homesteading course for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The program aims to foster deeper connections between students and the natural world by offering opportunities for year-round engagement, including animal and plant care, seasonal tasks, and leadership roles for older students.

Mr. Ladd says there’s value in students stepping away from technology and engaging in real-world, hands-on learning. “In a time when so much of this generation’s life is spent on screens, I think it’s important to do something hands-on,” he says. “Learning how to care for animals or build something like a chicken coop is incredibly valuable and practical. These are skills students can carry with them for a long time.”

The Shelton Urban Homesteading class centers around project-based learning. Over the spring semester, students focused on learning routines for maintaining Shelton’s beehives. They also worked to establish a chicken coop and vegetable garden. These projects involved designing and building the coop and raised garden beds, as well as selecting chicken breeds and plant varieties. Numerous tasks had to be completed as part of these objectives.

Students identified an appropriate site on campus that would meet the basic needs of the chickens. Along the way, they learned valuable practical life skills such as measuring, cutting, and fastening building materials, as well as how to prepare the soil and operate various power tools. 

Shelton senior Lydia Stroh says the hands-on nature of the Urban Homesteading class makes learning more meaningful and memorable. “It’s very interactive, and I feel like you learn more by doing,” she says. “With outdoor education, you learn by trying — like taking care of animals — and that kind of trial-and-error approach helps it stick.”

While working on the chicken coop and garden projects, students began to express interest in developing an aquaponics system. This initiative was driven by students’ desire to create a sustainable, closed-loop system that would eventually feed and water plants in specialized beds by periodically flooding them with nutrient-rich water from an attached fish tank. Extensive research and experimentation with tubing, water conditioning, pumps, and siphons shaped the planning of the system.

A curiosity for how things work — and how to fix them when they don’t — led students to explore plumbing valves and the possibility of 3D printing them. They are currently testing a small-scale version of the system using goldfish and a standard fish tank. Eventually, the system could be scaled to produce both fish and plants for human consumption.

All of these challenges test the students’ abilities to acquire new knowledge and skills, and the Urban Homesteading program seamlessly integrates concepts across engineering, science, and math to develop solutions. Ladd particularly enjoys watching his students come up with ideas, adapt their prior knowledge to the problems at hand, and innovate in new directions.

The program's success relies on the instructors following the students' interests and questions —students drive the learning process. This flexible strategy encourages students to take ownership of their learning and embrace the rituals of trial and error as an essential part of it.

As the Urban Homesteading program grows and evolves, it promises to provide Shelton students with a unique and enriching educational experience. Ladd now envisions Urban Homesteading as the cornerstone of an expansive Outdoor Education program, spanning Pre-K through 12th grade and anchoring the school’s long-term vision for sustainability.

Thank you to the Shelton Parents' Association and Shelton parents for supporting this and other Shelton programs. 

Sheraton Dallas is proud to welcome Miguel Neira as the new Executive Chef. With over 16 years in the hospitality industry, Neira will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s food operations, including the management of banquet facilities and four distinctive food and beverage outlets. Neira brings a passion for culinary innovation, leading an energized kitchen to develop unique, seasonal menus that are globally inspired while using only fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Born and raised in a small coastal town in Ecuador, Neira’s passion for food was ignited early in life. He learned the art of fishing and developed an appreciation for the unparalleled quality of fresh, ocean-sourced ingredients. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his culinary philosophy: food should be pure, fresh, and reflective of its origins.

Neira has traveled all over the world, immersing himself in a rich variety of culinary traditions. From the bold street food flavors of Cancun to the delicate pastries of France, his travels deepened his culinary understanding and expanded his palate. By blending the vibrant flavors of his Latin heritage with the refinement of international cuisines, he developed a unique culinary style that has shaped his career.

Neira began his culinary career with Marriott in 2007 as Restaurant Chef at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida. He held leadership roles in Cleveland, Chicago and Tampa, including Executive Banquet Chef at Sheraton Grand Chicago, excelling in large-scale events and high-volume operations. Since 2021, Neira has served as Executive Sous Chef at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, overseeing all culinary outlets, site inspections, and menu development to enhance the guest dining experience.

Neira’s expertise and innovative vision led him to his current role as Executive Chef at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, where he continues to lead with a commitment to sustainability, community, and the power of food to bring people together.

“We are proud to have Miguel join Sheraton Dallas as Executive Chef and are confident his culinary passion, extensive travels, and unique talent will provide amazing results to our dining outlets and banquet facilities,” said Frank Quant, Sheraton Dallas Hotel’s Director of Food and Beverage. “We look forward to sharing his expertise with our guests.”

Providing more than 230,000 square feet of versatile event space, Sheraton Dallas Hotel features the perfect backdrop for any type of gathering. Offering the latest in technology with a functional and updated style, the versatile venues accommodate events of all sizes, from motivational team meetings, training and annual conferences to intimate social gatherings and large galas. With customizable catering options designed to complement any event's tone and scale, Sheraton Dallas’ culinary team is dedicated to delivering memorable dining experiences tailored to every guest’s taste and dietary preferences.

With four food and beverage dining outlets – Open Palette, Draft Sports Bar & Lounge, Open Mkt. Grab ‘n Go, and The Parlor – Sheraton Dallas features world-class culinary experiences. Open Palette serves fresh, flavorful American classics inspired by the hotel’s Dallas roots. Open Mkt. Grab ‘n Go provides a wide selection of healthy foods and plenty of options for those on the go. Draft Sports Bar & Lounge is a 4,000 square foot world of sports nirvana that provides the ultimate entertainment experience with 25 televisions, local beers on tap, outstanding eats, craft cocktails and a complimentary karaoke room. Available to book for special events, The Parlor is an upscale lounge bar with a retro style designed specifically for intimate gatherings regardless of the occasion.

Sheraton Dallas is the largest hotel in Texas with 1,841 guest rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center with five Peloton bikes, an outdoor rooftop pool with stunning city views, and Club Lounge, in addition to the meeting and convention space and four dining outlets. Located right off the DART Pearl/Arts District station, Sheraton Dallas offers guests and employees a convenient location in the epicenter of Downtown Dallas. Dare to Discover Our Dallas.

For more information about the Sheraton Dallas or to book a stay, visit www.SheratonDallas.com.

Since its inception in 1985, one of the nation’s most impressive and unique Independence Day celebrations has been held in the North Texas town of Addison. While 4.4 square-mile Addison is only home to 17,000 residents, more than a half-million guests from across the nation come each year to celebrate Addison Kaboom Town!^® on July 3.

Rated by USA Today as one of the top fireworks shows in the country, the celebration is townwide, with watch parties at many of Addison’s 200+ restaurants (the Town has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the U.S.!), 22 hotels, and at a limited-capacity party in the 12-acre Addison Circle Park. The world-renowned fireworks and the incredible Addison Airport Airshow can be seen from anywhere in town. The Airshow, fueled by Million Air Dallas, features internationally acclaimed aerobatic performances, historic warbirds and more.

The Addison Kaboom Town! ^® 25-minute-long fireworks show is among the best in the nation, and it is simulcast on both local radio and on the town’s social media channels. Before the fireworks, there’ll be high-energy music at Addison Circle Park from both the 36^th Infantry Band, the Texas Army National Guard's esteemed Army band, based at Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas, and by The Elton Johns, a high-energy tribute band. Popular party band Emerald City All-Stars will perform after the fireworks. Families viewing the fireworks from Addison Circle Park will enjoy festival food, beverages and an activity-packed area for the kids!  

Tickets to the watch party in Addison Circle Park, $10 for ages 10 and older, $5 for kids 2-9 and free for kids 2 and younger, will be available at addisonkaboomtown.com on June 1. Tickets are required for every guest attending.

Guests who book a stay for July 3^rd at a participating Addison hotel will receive complimentary admission for six to the Kaboom Town! watch party in Addison Circle Park. This exclusive offer provides a convenient way to avoid traffic and enjoy one of the nation’s top Independence Day celebrations. Extend your stay and experience all that Addison has to offer throughout the holiday weekend.

Each year, Addison Kaboom Town!^®  is named among the top fireworks shows in the country. The spectacular, 4,000-shell show has been ranked as one of the top fireworks displays in the country by People.com, the American Pyrotechnics Association, Yahoo, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and Travel + Leisure Magazine.

WHEN:               Thursday, July 3, 2025, 5-11 p.m.

                           5 p.m. – Addison Circle Park gates open

6:30 p.m. – 36^th Infantry Band

8 p.m. – Presentation of the Colors & National Anthem

8:30 p.m. – The Elton Johns

9:30 p.m. – Addison Kaboom Town! Fireworks

10 p.m. – Emerald City All-Stars

WHERE:              Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle, Addison, Texas 75001

Memorable views can be found from anywhere in Addison, but special watch parties hosted by many of Addison’s more than 200+ restaurants and 22 hotels offer spectators a unique viewing experience. A list of watch parties will be available on the website closer to the event.

TRAFFIC

NOTES:               The popularity of the Addison Kaboom Town!^®  fireworks show may cause some traffic delays, specifically following the fireworks show.  Book your hotel rooms now!  Addison hotels quickly fill up for this annual event.  Spectators are encouraged to spend the night in Addison at any of our hotels or remain at their favorite restaurant till traffic subsides.

EVENT

NOTES:               Concessions are available in the park.  Guests are not permitted to bring coolers into the park.  Absolutely no alcohol can be brought into or out of Addison Circle Park.  Beer and wine will be available for sale within the park.

COST:                 $10 for ages 10 and older

                           $5 for ages 2-9

                           Free for those under 2, although a ticket is required.

Tickets are required for each person attending the limited-capacity party in Addison Circle Park. Tickets will be available online June 1. Book an Addison Kaboom Town! hotel package and enjoy quality accommodations, a cooling neck towel and guaranteed admission to the park for up to 6 guests.

WEBSITE:           AddisonKaboomTown.com

 Friday Night Fish Fry and Easter, Oh My! Soulman’s Bar-B-Que Springs into Action!

North Texas’ Favorite Family-Owned Bar-B-Que Brings Homemade Goodness in the Most Delicious Way

Soulman’s Bar-B-Que’s signature Friday Night Fish Fry is a beloved tradition year-round, but it’s especially popular during Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter. On Lenten Fridays, many Christians abstain from meat and turn to seafood, and Soulman’s will fry up a meal worth savoring.

“Every Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., guests can enjoy our fish fry meals for dine-in or carry-out at all Soulman’s locations,” says Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. “North Texans love our deep-fried fish fillets, crispy hush puppies, and famous sides—including our award-winning house-cut fries, Texas-style creamed corn, Southern-fried cabbage, or classic coleslaw. We fry our fish in small batches, ensuring every bite is fresh, crispy, and full of flavor.”

Soulman’s Friday Fish Fry is available at all 20 North Texas locations, with two hearty meal options:

• The Medium Catch – Four pieces of fried fish, two sides, and hush puppies for $14.49
• The Big Catch – Six pieces of fried fish, two sides, and hush puppies for $15.49

“As we celebrate 50 years of serving North Texans, we continue to listen to our guests—and they can’t get enough of our Friday Night Fish Fry!” Randle adds.

And with Easter around the corner, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que is making holiday meals stress-free for North Texans. Preorder a full family feast online and pick it up at any Soulman’s Bar-B-Que location before Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.

“We take care of the cooking so families can enjoy a homestyle Easter meal without the hassle,” says Randle. “We pair our savory, hickory-smoked ham with our homemade mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, and King’s Hawaiian rolls for a classic Easter meal that families will love.”

Soulman’s offers two Easter meal options available for preorder at https://soulmans.com/easter-meal/:

• Big Easter Dinner – Feeds 20-24 for $189.99
• Easter Dinner – Feeds 10-12 for $98.99

Add Soulman’s hickory-smoked meats, famous sides, and delicious desserts for an Easter meal that can be tailor-made for any gathering. Half hams ($49.99) and whole hams ($99.99) are also available. Preordered meals can be picked up on Friday, April 18, and Saturday, April 19, 2025.

All Soulman’s locations will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.

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.  With a focus on Faith, Food, and Family, Soulman’s passed-down 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 Regional Barbecue Chains to Try at Least Once (2025), 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 20 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Fort Worth, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Hurst Grapevine Highway, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, 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 https://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.

On April 10, Teresa and Tom Fishman hosted an intimate Patron Party for the 44^th Annual Equest Blue Ribbon Gala at their exquisite University Park home, setting the stage for an evening of philanthropy and celebration. The event honored Equest’s four-decade legacy of enhancing the quality of life for children and adults with diverse needs through the human-horse connection.

Equest Mini Ambassadors Ranger and Dare, two miniature therapy horses under 38 inches tall, welcomed guests, embodying the organization’s mission through their gentle presence. Demonstrating her culinary  talent and southern hospitality, Teresa served a magnificent homemade gourmet spread featuring stuffed peppers, spinach pastries, apple and blue cheese mini toasts, and more. Another talent on display, 13-year-old rising artist Veva Sterling, a student at Booker T. Washington Arts Magnet School and daughter of Mimi Sterling, impressed guests with live watercolor portraits.

2025 marks Eric Lindh’s first Gala season at Equest since becoming CEO last summer, but it’s not his first rodeo. Previously, he spent nearly two decades with Project Transformation—serving nine years as National CEO and 10 years as Executive Director for North Texas.  Lindh captivated the room with his gratitude to Equest’s generous supporters and stellar Gala leadership team: Gala Chairs Kristin and James Hallam, Honorary Chairs Natalie and David Taylor through the generosity of The Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation, and Auction Chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand.

While several presentations were shared, it was the Stout family who truly captured the hearts of everyone in attendance. Parents Jessica and Chaney, along with their three children, moved the audience with their heartfelt story about Equest’s profound impact on their eight-year-old son, Rowe, who benefited from Equest’s programs for the past four years.

Additional attendees included Leslie and Hawkins Golden, and Steve Kemble, the renowned event designer responsible for planning the special Gala evening. Several members of the Equest Board of Directors were also present, including Vice Chairperson Brooke Bailey, Ryan Casey, Harley Cozewith, Elizabeth Dacus, Tim Gavin, Chairperson Amy Green, Clint Haggerty, Finley Konrade, and Lisa Laughlin.

The celebratory evening concluded with cheerful toasts and a shared sense of excitement as everyone looked forward to the upcoming Equest Blue Ribbon Gala on April 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Gilley’s Dallas. The Texas-chic affair will feature gourmet cocktails and seated dinner, live and silent auctions, casino games, and live music by Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra to dance the night away. Tickets and information are available at www.equest.org/gala.    

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 869 volunteers contributing 20,611 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. www.equest.org