18 minute read
Super students
URSULINE ACADEMY: COURTNEY A+
MEET FIVE PRESTON HOLLOW STUDENTS DOING BIG THINGS.
Compiled by RENEE UMSTED & JEHADU ABSHIRO
Hillcrest: Jake Smith
WHAT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN?
In middle school, I was in band, Junior Honor Society, debate, basketball and robotics. In high school I am involved with basketball, National Honor Society, Boy Scouts of America, and I was in percussion/band.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CLASS?
Probably my favorite class was AP Human Geography because I learned so much about other cultures, countries and how they interact. The class was taught in an engaging way. But I have honestly loved most of my classes at Hillcrest.
WHERE WOULD YOU GO TO GRAB AN AFTER-SCHOOL SNACK?
My mom works at the school. I usually ask her what snacks she has that she can share with me.
WHAT WAS ONE CHALLENGE YOU FACED AT SCHOOL THIS YEAR, AND HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT?
I dealt with overthinking in my classes out of the fear of failure, which affected me in class. I dealt with it by realizing if I think I’m going to fail, I will fail, and failure is needed to grow myself.
TELL US ABOUT SOMETHING YOU DID THIS YEAR THAT YOU’RE PROUD OF.
This year I earned my Eagle Scout, which is the highest achievement in Boy Scouts. For my Eagle rank, I had to complete an Eagle Scout project. My project was me leading a group of volunteers to build two custom, wooden guitar racks for Degolyer Elementary’s music program in DISD. Also, I’m proud that I was accepted into the Honors College at Texas State.
WHICH TEACHER, STAFF MEMBER OR COACH IMPACTED YOU THE MOST THIS YEAR, AND HOW?
I would say Principal Sotelo has had the most impact on me because he has been there since my first day at Hillcrest. He has been someone I can talk to and someone I can look up to because of his character he utilizes to make Hillcrest a great school. But all of the adults at Hillcrest have been amazing people and I’ve made sure that I take in all lessons I can from them.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THIS SUMMER?
I plan on enjoying time with my family and friends, but will also be preparing for college by going to camps at Texas State, to meet new people and learn more about being a student there.
WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB?
Physical therapist
Photography by Emil Lippe.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR NEXT YEAR?
I’m most excited about starting the first step to being an adult and starting my schooling toward being a physical therapist.
WHAT’S A GOAL YOU HAVE? HOW DO YOU PLAN ON ACHIEVING IT?
One of my goals is to get accepted into Texas State’s graduate school in Round Rock. I plan on achieving this by taking advantage of on-campus resources like tutoring, Living Learning Communities and more.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU WISH WE ASKED YOU ABOUT?
What’s a lesson you have learned this year that you think will prepare you for life?
Hockaday:Mary Grayson Horton
WHAT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN?
Outside of school, I love volunteering at a local community center. In the fall, I enjoy doing cheer, and in the spring, playing lacrosse. I’ve always loved to do art whenever I have time and I love a good movie.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CLASS? My favorite classes are math and English.
WHERE WOULD YOU GO TO GRAB AN AFTER-SCHOOL SNACK?
I love to go to Chick-fil-A or Pinkberry.
WHAT WAS ONE CHALLENGE YOU FACED AT SCHOOL THIS YEAR, AND HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT?
Freshman year, I struggled with learning math online. Despite that, I decided to challenge myself and choose the harder math class out of my two options for this year. I felt really nervous going into it, but I was ready to put the time in and try my best. After working hard, I’m doing a lot better than I expected, and it has even become my favorite class. My success in the class made me realize that with hard work I can reach new limits.
TELL US ABOUT SOMETHING YOU DID THIS YEAR THAT YOU’RE PROUD OF.
This past year, l have gotten better at keeping an open mind toward learning from new people and experiences. I’ve improved on taking advantage of opportunities to listen to people’s insight on certain topics— such as attending the Town Hall budget meeting or attending a panel about women speaking about their experiences in their fields. I’ve decided that I can always benefit from learning something new, so I will take all opportunities to do so.
WHICH TEACHER, STAFF MEMBER OR COACH IMPACTED YOU THE MOST THIS YEAR, AND HOW?
This year, my math teacher has impacted me the most in that she inspires me to do my best. She values hard work, she has a contagious enthusiasm, and she always offers her reasonable advice on things, even when it isn’t math related.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THIS SUMMER?
This summer, I am working at a summer camp for a week and going to Europe for the first time! I want to try and read more books and visit my grandparents who I don’t get to see often.
WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB?
This is always changing, but I think my dream job would be something involving business and design.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR NEXT YEAR?
I know next year, my junior year, will be a lot of hard work and a lot of thinking about the future, but I’m most excited to have a fully “normal” school year again after the pandemic. I know classes, sports games and events will all feel more connected.
WHAT’S A GOAL YOU HAVE? HOW DO YOU PLAN ON ACHIEVING IT?
I want to try and spend less time on my phone and be more focused. I pick it up too much to avoid doing other things. Instead of grabbing my phone all the time, I want to make a habit of picking up a book or taking walks instead.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU WISH WE ASKED YOU ABOUT?
As I am passionate about improving our city’s water efficiency. Water conservation became theperfect focus of my Social Impact Project. The project, from my U.S. Government class, prompted me to find an issue I want to change, and investigate where I can find improvement within my city’s current policies. After researching online and reaching out to people with questions, I’ve determined that the city of Dallas has hundreds of thousands of meters that they monitor monthly, but the usage data is used solely to process people’s water bills. People’s water usage data carries a wasted potential in making our city more conservative with our resources. The data should be constantly accesible to homeowners; they could use it to monitor how much water they’re really using, and more importantly, identify any leaks that could potentially dump gallons of unused water into the ground. Technology does exist that will monitor water usage data and transfer it directly to an app on a mobile device. I want to encourage anyone who owns a home to use one of these digital water usage monitors. Even better, the city could provide an incentive program for people that adopt these monitors, similar to rebate programs that already offer for the installation of water-conserving toilets and plumbing. I hope to do my best in improving access to water usage data in our city.
W.T. WHITE: Carmen Lopez
WHAT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN?
I am involved with the W.T. White girls soccer team, club soccer (D’Feeters Kicks Soccer Club) and the women’s Mexico National Team.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CLASS?
My favorite class this year was AP U.S. History because I like learning about the past and history of the United States.
WHERE WOULD YOU GO TO GRAB AN AFTER-SCHOOL SNACK? My favorite after-school snack location is Starbucks. I usually go to Starbucks and I get an iced vanilla coffee.
WHAT WAS ONE CHALLENGE YOU FACED AT SCHOOL THIS YEAR, AND HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT?
Balancing school and athletics. I was able to travel and play for the national team this year. My teachers and coaches worked with me to make sure I was successful.
TELL US ABOUT SOMETHING YOU DID THIS YEAR THAT YOU’RE PROUD OF.
One of the biggest things I am proud of is traveling to Spain this year and earning three International caps.
WHICH TEACHER, STAFF MEMBER OR COACH IMPACTED YOU THE MOST THIS YEAR, AND HOW?
Coach Alven has impacted me the most this year by constantly showing me support and helping me grow my academic and athletic skills.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THIS SUMMER?
My plans are to travel and continue playing soccer with my national and club teams. Also visit colleges and universities to plan my future.
WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB?
My dream job is to be a physical therapist in the future.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR NEXT YEAR?
Next year, I am excited to play in the first World Cup with the Mexico National Team.
WHAT’S A GOAL YOU HAVE? HOW DO YOU PLAN ON ACHIEVING IT?
A goal that I have is to get straight A’s my senior year. Focusing more in school and working hard with my classwork.
Photos courtesty of Preston Hollow by Eva Potter Morgan.
Photography by Yuvie Styles.
episcopal school of dallas: Reid Moorman
WHAT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN?
Honor Council, Ambassadors (Serve as Co-Special Events Coordinator) Community Service Council, Ronald McDonald House Teen Team (Trains Chairperson), National Honor Society, Foster Elementary Conversation Club, Varsity Basketball, Cross Country
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CLASS?
AP Physics I and II have been my favorite classes.
WHERE WOULD YOU GO TO GRAB AN AFTER-SCHOOL SNACK?
Starbucks
WHAT WAS ONE CHALLENGE YOU FACED AT SCHOOL THIS YEAR, AND HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT?
One challenge I faced this year was going through the college application process. It was a very long and tedious process. However, I got through it with the encouragement of my family and friends and everything ended exactly the way it was supposed to end. I am very excited about where I am headed next year, the University of Notre Dame.
TELL US ABOUT SOMETHING YOU DID THIS YEAR THAT YOU’RE PROUD OF.
This year, I was able to collect over 100 uniform shirts for a local elementary school. I worked with the school as part of my Spanish class and realized that not all of the students were wearing the uniform shirt. I organized a drive in my neighborhood, and in my second year of doing it surpassed 100 shirts.
WHICH TEACHER, STAFF MEMBER OR COACH IMPACTED YOU THE MOST THIS YEAR, AND HOW?
Mr. Varvir (my Physics II teacher) has impacted me the most this year. Every day I realize the amount of care and dedication he puts into each of his lessons in order to make them engaging. His dedication makes me want to work harder.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THIS SUMMER? I am hopefully going to travel, spend lots of time with my friends and family before college, and get a job.
WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB? I would like to be a neurosurgeon.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR NEXT YEAR?
Getting the chance to live on my own for the first time.
WHAT’S A GOAL YOU HAVE? HOW DO YOU PLAN ON ACHIEVING IT?
A goal that I had throughout high school was to always do my best with any endeavor. I did this through hard work and perseverance, and, looking back on all of my accomplishments, I have no regrets.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU WISH WE ASKED YOU ABOUT?
How would you describe your time at ESD? My time at ESD has been amazing. I have had outstanding teachers and have made friendships that will last a lifetime. There is nowhere else I would have wanted to spend the last 13 years of my life.
ADVICE TO YOUNGER STUDENTS:
It is important to work hard and try your best at whatever endeavors you are pursuing. Hard work usually leads to an outcome that you can be proud of in the end. However, sometimes the outcome is not favorable. Although the outcome may not always be favorable, if you know you did all you could to succeed, you will have no regrets in the future.
Photography by Yuvie Styles
URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS: Courtney Kleinenbroich
WHAT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN?
Frequent volunteer at Human ImpACT, forming connections with my friends on the street. Treasurer of the Hope Supply Co. Student Board, where we come up with innovative ideas to support their mission of providing critical needs to homeless children. I sit on the Teen Board for THANKs Community Partners of Dallas, learning about how a nonprofit works and participating in community service that will change lives of the children in our community. President and Founder of the BEARly NOTEiced Club at Ursuline. We spread positive messages, anonymously, around campus, Ursuline Varsity Tennis and Club Tennis. I am also the employee of a grocery store!
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CLASS?
My favorite class is English because I love to write, and it gives me a chance to express myself.
WHERE WOULD YOU GO TO GRAB AN AFTER-SCHOOL SNACK?
I would most likely go to Chick-fil-A and get a frosted lemonade, although I do love my school store gummy bears!
WHAT WAS ONE CHALLENGE YOU FACED AT SCHOOL THIS YEAR, AND HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT?
To be completely honest, I haven’t really faced a huge challenge this year. However, if I were to choose something that has been a little difficult, it would be time management. Having to balance school, work, social life, volunteering and tennis can be a lot! But I have, and still am, working on my communication and organization skills which has helped me become better at balancing it all.
TELL US ABOUT SOMETHING YOU DID THIS YEAR THAT YOU’RE PROUD OF.
I am very proud of winning Ursuline’s Serviam Award! Not only was it a great way to spread the word about a nonprofit that I care deeply about, but I was also truly honored to represent my community in such an amazing way.
WHICH TEACHER, STAFF MEMBER OR COACH IMPACTED YOU THE MOST THIS YEAR, AND HOW?
My English teacher, Mrs. Mayerson, has impacted me the most. She is always willing to help me when I am struggling to write and always looks on the bright side and tries to find a solution to a problem. She is very calm when teaching, listens to her student’s feedback and is always trying to improve her class. She even has a bowl of fruit for us if we get hungry during class! All the things she does, I notice, and it makes an impact on me. Anytime I step into her class, I get excited and can’t wait to see what we are learning!
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THIS SUMMER?
This summer, my mom and I are taking a trip to Italy! We were supposed to go in 2020 for my eighth-grade graduation with my school, but we are going this summer to make up for it. I am so excited for this trip!
WHAT’S YOUR DREAM JOB?
I have many interests that I am still exploring. I want to ensure that what I do is impactful, so for right now, I don’t know!
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR NEXT YEAR?
I am excited to learn about colleges and explore some of my interests by taking unique classes that Ursuline offers. I am also excited to further my leadership and service in and out of school.
WHAT’S A GOAL YOU HAVE? HOW DO YOU PLAN ON ACHIEVING IT?
A goal I have is to eventually start a nonprofit to help the community. I plan on achieving this by learning from other nonprofits and their employees, growing connections and researching so that I know what needs to be done. Happy Healthy Home
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CONNECTING CREATIVELY
How Junior League volunteers help seniors with cognitive impairment
Story by RENEE UMSTED | Photos courtesy of JULIETTE FOWLER COMMUNITIES
THE ARTFUL AWAKENINGS PROGRAM
at Juliette Fowler Communities stood out to Caroline Hardin because of her love for her grandparents.
Fowler residents who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease are eligible for the program, which is held weekly. Volunteers from the Junior League of Dallas create art activities for anywhere from five to nine residents and then visit the East Dallas facility to walk the residents through the projects.
Hardin, a 28-year-old Dallas native who lives in the Knox/Henderson area, joined the Junior League about two years ago. Her mother is also a member, and she encouraged her to get involved to become more active in the community. She had moved back to Dallas from New York in 2019 and wanted to expand her network.
Artful Awakenings has been going on for about five years, with about 50 residents having participated, but Hardin became involved with the program in August 2021.
She was already familiar with Fowler, where she had volunteered growing up as a member of Northway Christian Church.
“I wanted to get involved with an organization that I was already kind of familiar with and would kind of tie back into my church’s network,” Hardin says.
The program would allow Hardin to spend time with seniors, an activity she thought she would enjoy because of the cherished memories hanging out with her own grandmother. Hardin also had experience working in the art industry, including at the Art Basel art fair and at Sotheby’s.
Art projects are planned so they’re easy for the residents to create, and Hardin says they’re mostly assembly. The teachers have an example displayed for the residents, and they often use templates. Earlier on, the plans were more complex, but the volunteers learned to make the instructions simple and straightforward.
One day, the volunteers helped the residents make bluebonnets. The stems were already drawn, and residents finger-painted the petals and added stickers.
“If it’s too abstract, then the residents get frustrated, and it defeats the purpose of the class, which is to calm them down and get everyone socializing during the sundowning hour,” Hardin says.
Her grandfather had dementia, and sometimes he would become grouchy, which wasn’t in line with his personality. That experience led her to have additional compassion for the Fowler residents, who occasionally make offensive remarks as a result of their cognitive impairment.
Nicole Gann, the president and CEO of Juliette Fowler Communities, has seen the residents’ quality of life improve through the program. Art helps them connect and engage with each other, Gann says, rather than withdrawing from society because of embarrassment or they realize they can’t communicate the same way.
Fowler is the only certified I’m Still Here Center for Excellence in Dementia Care in North Texas. The engagement-focused program connects people with memory loss through abilities that don’t diminish over time, and it is used to train caregivers, volunteers and residents’ families.
When the program was first implemented, there were concerns that some people would be frustrated or struggle to learn how to communicate with the residents, but Gann says the issues weren’t too much because everyone was so “like-minded.”
“I think that’s probably been the greatest gift that the programming has given to us — just a quicker, more refined way to help people be in community with the residents we serve,” Gann says.
The art helps residents to tell their stories and access memories, even if a particular instance isn’t visible to someone who views the finished product.
“They’re telling that story through the actual activity of the art, through the painting or through the crafting and through that conversation,” Gann says.
Sometimes colors in the art remind residents of gardens they used to grow, and then they’ll share stories related to that memory. Or maybe blue paint on the page reminds them of when they used to be a lifeguard or enjoyed swimming.
