News
 
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Shelton Director of Fine Arts and Upper School Drama Teacher Anné Hughes was one of 18 educators nationwide to receive an Honorable Mention for the 2026 Excellence in Theatre Education Award, presented by the Tony Awards.

Shelton Director of Fine Arts and Upper School Drama Teacher Anné Hughes was one of 18 educators nationwide to receive an Honorable Mention for the 2026 Excellence in Theatre Education Award, presented by the Tony Awards and sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University.

The annual award recognizes a K-12th grade theatre educator who has made a “monumental impact on students' lives and embodies the highest standards of the profession” by transforming student lives through the power of the arts. Candidates are nominated by members of the public, and recipients are selected by a panel of judges representing the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, Carnegie Mellon University and other theatre industry leaders. The 2026 Tony Awards will be held Sunday, June 7, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Honorable mention recipients will appear in the Tony Awards Playbill and be featured on TonyAwards.com.

The 2026 Excellence in Theatre Education Award winner is Freddie Hendricks, theatre teacher at Utopian Academy for the Arts in Ellenwood, Georgia. Dallas educator Curtis King of The Black Academy of Arts & Letters also received an Honorable Mention.

Hughes has worked at Shelton for 28 years. In 1999, she was hired as the Middle School drama teacher. In 2012, she moved to Upper School Theatre and was named Director of Fine Arts in 2015. She is the author of My Life with Tom Hughes: A Personal Story of the "Musicals Man" of Dallas.

At Shelton, Hughes leads a Fine Arts program that plays a vital role in helping students with learning differences develop confidence, self-esteem and self-expression through theatre and the arts. Shelton is the world’s largest independent school for intelligent students with learning differences, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and ADHD.

“I am deeply grateful for this recognition, which belongs to our entire theatre department. I am fortunate to be part of a remarkable team of students, theatre faculty, supportive parents and administrators who work together to create productions that inspire our learning-different students to reach their highest potential. Our students have an astonishing work ethic and are creative problem solvers who strive for excellence in each production. I am honored to work with such dedicated and hard-working young people who show incredible kindness and encouragement toward one another. That is why I call them ‘the beautiful people of Shelton Theatre.’”

Under Hughes’ leadership, Shelton theatre students have participated in award-winning productions and Fine Arts programming designed to provide students with opportunities to grow creatively, collaboratively and personally both on and off the stage. Shelton’s 2025-26 productions included Romeo & Juliet and The Little Mermaid.

Former student Hayley Taub (Shelton Class of 2016) wrote in her nomination letter, “As a student with ADHD, dyslexia and a language disorder, I often joked that ‘I barely know English’ because words are hard for me. Yet in her class, I read full plays, analyzed characters and performed confidently on stage. She helped build a belief in my abilities, which then shaped the adult and the educator I am today.”

Actress, singer and Broadway performer Sandy Duncan also praised Hughes in a nomination letter. Duncan is known for her Tony Award-nominated performance in Peter Pan and for starring in Broadway productions, television series and films throughout her decades-long career.

“It seems like that's what Anné and the Shelton School do, they teach kids how to cope,” Duncan wrote. “I was so proud to talk to those students about my struggles. Learning differently doesn't mean you can't make it in show business. In fact, it might help! You're certainly noticed going the opposite way as the other dancers.”

Deja Jackson (Shelton Class of 2022) and a 2026 broadcast journalism graduate of the University of North Texas, was also featured in the nomination materials. One of Hughes’ favorite memories is Jackson performing in Shelton’s 2021 production of Shrek the Musical while also competing with the women’s basketball team.

Jackson was able to participate in both activities she loved. When the women’s basketball team advanced to regionals on a performance day, Jackson played in the game in Lubbock and made it back in time to perform on stage that evening.

“When I came to Shelton, I fell in love,” Jackson said in the nomination video. “It was a place where I felt comfortable, and Ms. Hughes gave me so much confidence — both with my learning difference and as a person. She’s something special, and everybody should know that.”

Read more: link.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Funds raised by the Shelton Parents' Association support tuition assistance, the Shelton Endowment Fund, campus security, the new auditorium, scholarships, mental health and more.
The 2025-2026 Shelton Parents’ Association leadership, including Co-Presidents Kimberly Kahn and Leigh Erin Lundy, Stampede Auction Co-Chairs Mandy Evans and JoAnna Sudbeck and Director of Volunteer Relations & Events Shelly Lloyd, who together presented a check for a record-breaking $1,800,000 to Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell at the SPA End-of-the-Year Breakfast on May 20, 2026.

In addition to the historic 50th Anniversary Stampede Auction, Shelton Parents’ Association events during the 2025-2026 school year included the 50th Homecoming tailgate party and drone show, Lunch with Dads, Sky Ranch, back-to-school parties, Books & Bagels, Boots & Bling, Pi Day, Thankful Thursdays, staff appreciation lunches, Teacher Appreciation Week, Holiday Happiness and more.

Funds raised by the SPA support tuition assistance, the Shelton Endowment Fund, campus security, the new auditorium, scholarships, mental health and more. In addition, funding supports a wide range of division and program needs, including Lower School literacy and Montessori materials; Middle School geometry, language arts, math and science materials; Upper School evaporative coolers for the chicken coop, a forensic anthropology set and a horizontal projectile launcher to investigate kinetic energy; Fine Arts musical instruments, cameras and lighting boards; and Athletics equipment including a cold and compression therapy unit, treadmills and cheer uniforms.

The SPA Co-Presidents for 2026–2027 are Bethard Hearne and Brettne Hemley. We are grateful to our wonderful Shelton parents!

During the SPA End-of-the-Year Breakfast, Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell thanked members of the SPA. "Thank you for your unwavering support and for creating an organization that is so inclusive and welcoming to new parents. None of this could've happened without the involvement of all of our parents."

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Shelton 2026 Valedictorian Trilby Schmidt will attend Stanford University, where she plans to major in Political Science and Philosophy.

Shelton, the largest independent school for students with learning differences, honored the Class of 2026 during Shelton’s 50th anniversary graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 16, at 11 a.m. in the Browning Family Gym.

At the graduation, members of the Class of 2026 entered behind the Shelton 50th Anniversary Legacy Processional, a distinguished group of Shelton leaders, teachers, current and former board members, early faculty members and alumni representing the school’s 50-year history. Dressed in white gowns and commemorative 50th anniversary sashes, the Legacy Processional served as a visual tribute to the generations who helped build Shelton and support its mission.

Leading the Legacy Processional was David F. Martineau, Shelton’s longest-serving Board of Trustees member since 1978 and father of David T. Martineau, a member of Shelton’s very first class in 1976. Martineau and his family carried Shelton’s 50th anniversary banner, while his grandson, Jack Plankinton, carried the Class of 2026 banner, symbolizing the connection between Shelton’s past, present and future across generations.

Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell told the graduates, “Members of the Class of 2026 stand on the shoulders of those who came before them — those who believed in Shelton’s mission, built this community and made their journey possible.”

Valedictorian Trilby Schmidt, who started at Shelton in second grade, spoke about the importance of acceptance during her graduation speech. “For some of us, Shelton has meant many things: academic freedom, smaller class sizes and more support and understanding from teachers,” Schmidt said. “But to me, most of all, it has meant acceptance — both of myself and from this community.”

Schmidt will attend Stanford University, where she plans to major in Political Science and Philosophy. During her time at Shelton, she participated in Theatre, Band and Drumline, Student Council, National Honor Society and the Outdoor Education Club, and she organized the recent Shelton Walk-a-Thon.

Salutatorian Liam Schaeffer, who has attended Shelton since before Pre-K, gave the invocation. He will attend The University of Texas at Austin and major in computer science. During his time at Shelton, he earned many honors, including the Spirit of Shelton, Heart of a Giant, Award of Excellence, Peer Tribute and Harvard Book Award. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and Hope Squad.

Shelton welcomed graduation speaker Travis Lee Ratcliff, a Shelton alumnus from the Class of 2009 and an award-winning filmmaker whose work has been recognized at major film festivals, including the Tribeca Festival and the San Francisco International Film Festival. His documentary Dynasty & Destiny, co-created with fellow Shelton alumnus Brody Carmichael, received the Golden Gate Award in San Francisco before later being selected for the Tribeca Film Festival.

After graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Ratcliff co-founded the production company Movement House in Austin, creating documentaries and branded films for companies including Hershey’s, Frito-Lay, Shiner and Yuengling. His previous documentary, In the Space Between Ages, which profiles a dyslexic sculptor, screened at SXSW. Ratcliff credits Shelton with helping shape both his confidence and career path, saying he discovered his passion for storytelling through Shelton’s theatre and film program.

“We have been given a sometimes difficult, but always beautiful, gift,” Ratcliff said in his speech. “We have been given a different way of seeing the world. Eventually, you start to discover that those differences and challenges are what make you see the world in a way no one else can. The same ADD that made it hard for you to sit still can fill your notebooks with a hundred ideas. The dyslexia that caused you to read more slowly can cause you to think more deeply and see connections that are invisible to everyone around you. Or, if you’re like me, maybe you realize that you think in images. And those images can become the thing you are best equipped to share with other people, to try to help them see through someone else’s eyes.”

The Class of 2026 is made up of 81 graduates headed to 49 colleges across 18 states. To date, the class has earned more than $12.5 million in merit scholarships. Acceptances include The University of Texas at Austin, Stanford University, Texas A&M University, Baylor University, Southern Methodist University, Tulane University, Texas Christian University, Pepperdine University, University of California, Los Angeles and more. Nine students earned a composite ACT score of 30 or higher; 29 earned 30 or above in reading, including four perfect scores; nine earned 30 or above in science, including one perfect score; and one earned a perfect score in math. The class also completed 2,680 hours of community service.

Shelton’s Top 10 graduates include:

  • Trilby Schmidt — Valedictorian; Stanford University, Political Science and Philosophy

  • Liam Schaeffer — Salutatorian; The University of Texas at Austin, Computer Science

  • Lauren Battaglia — Texas Christian University, Psychology

  • Cade Bergus — Texas Christian University Honors College, Biochemistry

  • Anthony Coppolino — University of Arkansas, Mechanical Engineering

  • Charlie Grovenstein — Purdue University, Nuclear Engineering

  • Brady Kuntz — Indiana University, Music Business

  • Austin Tran — Carnegie Mellon University, Math

  • Chloe Weiner — Northeastern University, Mechanical Engineering

  • Carter Weisberg — University of California, Los Angeles, Business Economics

Shelton celebrated the following seniors who signed to play sports in college:

  • Heston Dios — Buena Vista University, football

  • Annie Fulton — Trinity University, volleyball

  • Drew Metrailer — South Plains College, track

  • Tripp Moss — Murray State College, rifle

  • Jonas Ritz-Meuret — Flagler College, track

  • Zac Schacter — McPherson College, football

  • Ja’ir Span — Paul Smith’s College, basketball

  • Nathan Vitek — King University, volleyball

Shelton also recognized the following students who will pursue fine arts in college:

  • Cooper Harris — Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design, Savannah College of Art and Design

  • Addie Monfried — Theatrical Design and Technology, Elon University (following a gap year)

  • Kate Priest — Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation, Savannah College of Art and Design

Stell praised the graduates, saying, “You did the work! You took advantage of the opportunity that your parents provided to you. You have each discovered your strengths and your passions. Each of you overcame obstacles, and here you are. And we know so many wonderful opportunities are in store for you.”

Schmidt closed her speech by reminding her classmates of the importance of acceptance and community.

“As we, the Shelton Class of 2026, leave this building today, we should remember the moments of acceptance we have given and received,” she said. “It is these instances that have made us who we are.”

 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Shelly Lloyd, Shelton's director of volunteer relations and events; Mandy Evans, co-chair of the 2026 Shelton 50th Stampede Auction; and JoAnna Sudbeck, co-chair of the 2026 Shelton 50th Stampede Auction.

The Shelton School Parents’ Association (SPA) marked a milestone April 11, welcoming approximately 900 attendees to the Fairmont Hotel for the 50th anniversary Stampede benefit auction — an evening filled with celebration, reflection and support for Shelton’s mission.

Guests, dressed in cowboy chic, enjoyed a cocktail reception, seated dinner, live auction and a special performance by Little Big Town. Attendees also had the opportunity to walk through a hallway of Shelton memorabilia and historic photos, offering a meaningful look back at the school’s 50-year legacy. The Shelton community also viewed a video featuring students sharing their own stories, highlighting the impact of a Shelton education.

Funds raised from the auction reached a record-breaking total and will support a wide range of initiatives at Shelton, including academics, curriculum programs, fine arts, athletics, technology, professional development for teachers, the wellness program, security enhancements and tuition assistance. Proceeds also benefit the Shelton Endowment Fund and the Shelton Scholarship Fund.

Among the evening’s highlights were several premier auction packages, including the Ultimate Cowboys experience — featuring travel on the team-chartered plane and tickets to an away game — an Eagles concert experience at Globe Life Field, Del Mar Race Week and naming rights to a glass installation in Shelton’s main hall created by alumna and artist Carlyn Ray.

The 2026 Stampede Auction was co-chaired by Mandy Evans and JoAnna Sudbeck. Shelly Lloyd is Shelton’s director of volunteer relations and events. Kimberly Kahn and Leigh Erin Lundy serve as co-presidents of the 2025–2026 Shelton Parents’ Association, which sponsored the event. Francie Moody-Dahlberg, Shelton parent and executive director and chairman of the Moody Foundation, served as honorary chairman.

Executive Director Suzanne Stell thanked parents, volunteers, longtime Shelton leaders, sponsors, underwriters and staff for their support, including members of the 50 for 50 Club — donors who contributed $50,000 in honor of Shelton’s 50th anniversary. She also expressed gratitude to Shelton parents Renee and Scott Jansen of Goody Goody, who donated all beverages for the fifth consecutive year.

In her remarks, Suzanne noted that Shelton students have earned more than $80 million in merit scholarships between 2004 and 2026. “We are here to celebrate the past, the present and the future,” she said. “What we’ve accomplished together is extraordinary. Shelton’s story is one of perseverance, passion and purpose.”

The program also featured remarks from Shelton parent and alumnus Patrick Wallace, whose mother, Diane Wallace, chaired the Stampede Auction in 1991–92. Wallace attended Shelton’s Lovers Lane campus from 1987 to 1993.

“I came to Shelton broken — my confidence and self-esteem were so low. But here, it was like I found my people. The teachers understood me, my confidence grew year by year and it truly changed the trajectory of my life,” he said. “I would not be where I am today without the foundation I received at Shelton. It changed my life — and now I’m seeing it do the same for my children.” Wallace is now a financial advisor at Gardner Wallace, a financial planning and management company.

Attendees viewed a video message from Charlotte Jones, executive vice president and chief brand officer of the Dallas Cowboys and a former Shelton parent.

“No family anticipates needing a school for learning differences, but when you find Shelton, you discover hope,” she said. “You discover answers. You discover people who understand your child at a level few others ever have. Shelton restores confidence. It reshapes a child’s future. It’s not just a school — it’s a family.

“The next 50 years begin tonight. We have both the opportunity and the responsibility to ensure Shelton continues to transform lives. Through our generosity, our leadership and our engagement, we chart the path forward.”

See photos and videos from Shelton's 2026 50th Stampede Auction at this link.

Photography by Kate White.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shelton second-grader Robert Nixon. 

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

Shelton 50th Fun Facts:

  • Shelton was founded on April 2, 1976, when The June Shelton School and Evaluation Center was officially chartered under the Texas Nonprofit Corporation Act.
  • Founder Dr. June Shelton established the school to provide evaluation, education and training for individuals with learning differences — and to help educators better understand language disorders and school-related challenges.
  • Larry Beeman personally flew the incorporation papers to Austin and hand-delivered them to ensure the school was chartered without delay. 
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
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.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Shelton School invites families to our Fall Admission Event on Saturday, October 18, from 3 to 4 p.m. Parents of children ages 2–5 will have the opportunity to learn more about Shelton’s Preschool and Kindergarten programs while young children enjoy fun, fall-themed activities.

Shelton’s Early Childhood programs emphasize oral language development, academic readiness, multisensory learning, enrichment classes and speech and language therapy. With small class sizes and highly trained faculty, Shelton builds a strong foundation for reading, learning and confidence.

Space is limited, and registration is required.

Learn more at shelton.org or call 972-774-1772.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Shelton's 2025 Homecoming King and Queen are seniors Hudson Ramsey and Stevie Hickman.

Shelton’s 50th anniversary Homecoming on Sept. 26 turned into a show-stopping celebration when the skies lit up with a dazzling drone show capped by the reveal that Grammy Award-winning country group Little Big Town will headline Shelton’s Stampede Auction on April 11, 2026. The halftime celebration also announced that Shelton’s Varsity football team will play Covenant on Nov. 8, 2025, at The Star in Frisco, home of the Dallas Cowboys, as part of the school’s 50th anniversary festivities.

As the largest independent school for intelligent students with learning differences, Shelton marked its 50th year of transforming students’ lives with a celebration that reflected both school pride and community spirit. The evening began with a lively Shelton Parents’ Association tailgate on Charger Plaza featuring food trucks, BBQ by Shelton parent John Lynch, a dunk tank and bounce houses. Alumni gathered for a happy hour at La Hacienda Ranch before heading to campus for the big game.

Before kickoff, longtime Shelton leader Gary Webb was honored as the evening’s honorary captain in celebration of the school’s 50th anniversary. Webb has served as a Shelton board member since 1998 and as chairman of the board from 2010 to 2024. During his time as Board Chair, he was instrumental in leading the way for Shelton’s new campus. He was joined on the field by his family: son Adam Webb (Shelton Class of 2000) with wife Tiffany and granddaughter Birdie; daughter Samantha Wynne (Shelton Class of 2004) with husband Beau and grandchildren Caden and Presley; and daughter Malley Armstrong with husband TJ and grandchildren Ella and Amelia. Webb participated in the coin toss to officially open the game.

The Varsity Chargers football team, led by Head Coach Ed Barry, then took the field against Newman International Academy at 7 p.m., following a Middle School football game at 4:30 p.m. The Varsity team won 49-14, and the Middle School team earned a 33-6 victory.

At halftime, the Shelton Parents’ Association delivered a show unlike any other. The Shelton Drumline teed off the show with a drumroll before the skies above the scoreboard came alive with a choreographed drone show created by Antonio Liska of Robota. Images of Shelton’s blue and white, the Charger logo and the school’s 50th anniversary emblem lit up the night, all set to the music of Little Big Town.

The Chargerettes then took the field, each holding a letter to spell out the band’s name, as Nate Nelson of LeForce coordinated the lights and sound: Little Big Town will perform live at the Stampede Auction on April 11. Parents JoAnna Sudbeck and Mandy Evans, co-chairs of the Stampede Auction, and Shelton Director of Volunteer Relations & Events Shelly Lloyd helped coordinate the reveal.

“Once we were told we’d be announcing the entertainment at the Homecoming game, we knew we had to go big,” said Evans. “Shelton is known for thinking outside the box and embracing new technologies, so the drone show felt like the perfect way to surprise our Shelton families.”

Also announced at halftime was another milestone event for Shelton’s 50th celebrations. On Saturday, Nov. 8, Shelton’s Varsity football team will face Covenant at 4 p.m. at The Star in Frisco, home of the Dallas Cowboys. The game will also serve as Senior Night. More details on tailgating will be shared soon. Special thanks to the Dallas Cowboys and the Gene and Jerry Jones family for making this opportunity possible.

After the announcements, Shelton’s cheerleaders, Chargerettes and Drumline performed before the presentation of the Homecoming Court:

  • Seniors: Heston Dios, Hudson Ramsey, Brock Rogers, Elinor David, Stevie Hickman, Effie Maguire
     
  • Juniors: Tanner Smith, Kate White
     
  • Sophomores: Joe Moody, Adelynn Andras
     
  • Freshmen: DeShawn McClelland, Chace Smith

The Homecoming King and Queen are seniors Hudson Ramsey and Stevie Hickman.

Shelton Homecoming Week also featured Upper School dress-out days, two pep rallies, a ninth-grade Homecoming dinner and the Upper School Homecoming dance on Sept. 27. In addition, alumni planned to gather for the Sept. 27 Alumni Football Breakfast hosted by Coach Chuck Locke, former Middle School and Upper School football coach and Shelton’s former director of alumni relations.

Homecoming and the halftime show offered alumni and guests a glimpse of the spectacular year ahead, capturing Shelton’s spirit of community and 50th anniversary celebration that unites students, families, staff and alumni.

“Little Big Town built their success on four-part harmony, which felt like the perfect complement to Shelton’s four stars in our logo — the school, the Evaluation Center, the Outreach & Training programs and the Speech Center,” Evans said. “It’s such a meaningful connection.”

View Shelton Homecoming video at this link. For information about the Stampede auction, including sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales, go to this link. Information about Shelton’s 50th anniversary is at this link.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
In just three days at Shelton's Feed My Starving Children event, 3,046 volunteers packed 641,304 meals — enough to feed 1,756 children for an entire year

As part of Shelton’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the school hosted the Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) MobilePack event on September 5–7.

“Feed My Starving Children gave our students a chance to serve with purpose," says Suzanne Stell, Shelton's Executive Director. "Kids Feeding Kids is a powerful way to show our students that their actions — right here at Shelton — can make a global impact.”

The idea for Shelton to host a MobilePack came from former Shelton parent and board member Dee Velvin. Stell says Velvin’s suggestion planted the seed for bringing the event to Shelton as part of its 50th anniversary

The three-day event, organized by the nonprofit that provides nutritionally complete meals to children worldwide and hosted by FMSC volunteer Ron Carey, brought together more than 3,046 volunteers. Together, they packed 641,304 single-serving meals specially formulated to fight malnutrition and delivered to children in greatest need — enough to feed 1,756 children one meal a day for an entire year.

On Friday, September 5, Shelton staff and students in grades five through twelve packed meals in the Main Gym. Third- and fourth-grade students also participated, accompanied by parent volunteers. Shelton shifts included 1,026 volunteers who packed 116,856 meals — enough to feed 319 children one meal a day for an entire year.

On Saturday and Sunday, September 6–7, the MobilePack expanded beyond Shelton, welcoming volunteers from across Dallas — including families, scout troops, sports teams, book clubs and faith groups. The gym was filled with energy, music and collaboration, creating a memorable service-driven weekend.

For many Shelton families, the experience was personal and inspiring. Shelton parent Amanda Marrone said she and her son Isaac were eager to be involved. “We volunteered for Feed My Starving Children at their facility and had a lot of fun doing some of the races and activities. We wanted to be part of celebrating Shelton and helping the community.” Isaac, a Shelton third-grader, said, “I'm helping out today for the fun of it and to help others.”

Nine-year-old Zach Tauzel echoed that spirit of empathy, saying, “Helping kids who are hungry is important to me.” For third-grader Suri Ballianda, the impact was clear: “I like helping because you get to feed kids that don’t have food on the table every day like I do.” Her mother, Rachana Raman, shared that the project was an opportunity for deeper learning. “I wanted Suri to have a certain appreciation for what she has in her own life."

Students of all ages found meaning in the work. Marin Scaggs, an eighth-grader, said, “I want to make sure they have food so they can have energy, and also that they feel loved and have the necessities they need.”

Students also reflected on the deeper meaning of the event. Junior Baron Pogir said, “These children don’t have the luxury we do — their goal is just to survive. By volunteering, we’re extending our hearts to another continent and helping them. It’s a powerful reminder of kindness and selflessness, and I’m proud Shelton made this part of our 50th anniversary.”

Shelton staff were equally moved. Eddie Moreno, Shelton Computer Systems Specialist, called the event a powerful reminder of community service. “This is a great way to help the community," he said. "We’re helping kids and families all over the world. It’s a privilege to help. I’m proud to work at Shelton, where we help others.”

Shelton is grateful to every volunteer who helped turn hunger into hope. A heartfelt thank you goes out to FMSC's Carey, staff and volunteers and all the students, teachers, staff, parents, former parents, alumni, schools, friends and community members who gave their time, energy, and heart to make this event such an incredible success.
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Kids Feeding Kids: As part of its 50th anniversary, the Shelton School is hosting the Feed My Starving Children MobilePack September 5-7.

As part of Shelton’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the school — the largest independent school worldwide for intelligent children with learning differences — will host the Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) MobilePack on September 5–7. This traveling event, organized by the nonprofit that provides nutritionally complete meals to children worldwide, will bring together more than 4,900 volunteers in shifts to pack more than 750,000 single-serving meals specially formulated to fight malnutrition and delivered to children in greatest need.

On Friday, September 5, Shelton staff and fifth- through twelfth-grade students will pack meals in the Main Gym. Third- and fourth-grade students may participate if accompanied by a parent volunteer.

On Saturday and Sunday, September 6–7, the MobilePack opens to the wider community. You are invited to volunteer for weekend shifts and to help recruit friends, neighbors and groups such as book clubs, scout troops, sports teams, faith group and teens seeking service hours. The event will take place indoors with air conditioning and music. It’s a wonderful opportunity for service, teamwork and fun.

Together, Shelton students, families and community members will turn hunger into hope — packing life-saving meals and celebrating 50 years of learning without limits through service.

Sign up for a weekend shift and share the link with your family and friends. Let’s fill every shift and make a global and local impact!