26 August 2021 | parkcitiespeople.com
Schools
WORK ON SMU’S NEW MOODY HALL READY TO GET UNDERWAY By Rachel Snyder
rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com
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onstruction on the new four-story Frances Anne Moody Hall building, which will house the Moody graduate school at SMU, is expected to be well underway by the end of the year. SMU officials hope to open the building by summer 2023. In June, the University Park City Council approved a zoning change of universityowned property between McFarlin Boulevard, University Boulevard, Airline Road, and Dublin Street to allow for the project. The lost parking lot on Airline will be replaced with a new lot built to the east where about 23 homes are now and include some area reserved as green space. University Park Communications and Marketing Director Steve Mace said SMU has told the city plans include: • Testing and abatement in July and early August. • Beginning demolition in late August or early September. • Completing demolition by late October. The university had requested the rezoning of the western portion of university-owned property between McFarlin Boulevard, University Boulevard, Airline Road, and Dublin Street to UC-1 (which allows for a maximum building height of 120 feet), the middle portion to be rezoned UC-2 (which allows for a maximum nonresidential building height of 55 feet), and the eastern portion along Dublin to be rezoned UC-3
In June, the University Park City Council approved a zoning change of university-owned property between McFarlin Boulevard, University Boulevard, Airline Road, and Dublin Street to allow for the new Frances Anne Moody Hall building. (PHOTO: COURTESY CITY OF UNIVERSITY PARK) (which allows for a maximum building height of 35 feet). The motion approved by the city council granting the zoning change included an amendment from Mayor Pro Tem Randy Biddle that the university must provide the city with a signed deed restriction prohibiting a parking structure on the UC-2 portion of the site. Michael Molina, SMU associate vice president of facilities planning and management/university architect, told city council members that the construction of
Moody Hall is “critical” to increasing the university’s standing nationally as a research university. “It will consolidate all of our doctoral candidates into one location for interdisciplinary work, which is very critical to this achievement,” he said. The new graduate school was also made possible through a $100 million gift from the Moody Foundation. “We’re announcing the next stage in SMU’s development — a significant and unprecedented investment in the university’s
graduate and doctoral programs and faculty research programs, which will propel SMU to even greater heights of national prominence,” SMU President R. Gerald Turner said at the time of the Moody Foundation gift. “I’m thrilled to announce today the Moody Foundation is partnering with SMU to build on our rich academic heritage to accentuate the development of our graduate programs. In making this investment, the Moody Foundation acknowledges that SMU has made dramatic progress in our pursuit of academic distinction.”
Sports, Band, Academics Power HPHS to 12th Lone Star Cup monumental accomplishment: students, teachers, directors, coaches, and the many parents who support them.”
This is an award earned by the entire school. Johnny Ringo Highland Park High School recently clinched its 12th UIL Lone Star Cup. (PHOTO: RACHEL SNYDER)
By Rachel Snyder
rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com
Highland Park High clinched its 12th University Interscholastic League Lone Star Cup, the most in UIL history.
“The Lone Star Cup is a symbol of excellence in the important areas of academics, fine arts, and athletics,” said Highland Park ISD Superintendent Tom Trigg. “I know our community joins me in congratulating everyone who contributed to this historically
For the 2020-21 academic year, the Scots won state titles in team tennis and boys golf while placing in the top five at state in marching band, academics, and girls cross country. The UIL Lone Star Cup program began during the 199798 school year and recognizes one high school in each of the six UIL conferences based on the school’s overall team achievement
in academic, athletic, and music championships. The winning school in each classification receives a trophy in the fall and a $1,000 scholarship. “Once again, I am amazed but not surprised by the resilient performance of our students, teachers, directors, and coaches,” said HPHS Principal Jeremy Gilbert. “Scotties always find a way to rise above challenges and perform at their best. I am proud of our students and the talented staff who pour their energy into building strong academic, fine arts, and athletic programs. Winning two consecutive Lone Star Cups exemplifies the level of commitment and dedication to excellence our students demonstrate daily in the classroom and while performing in the arts or competing on the field.” Highland Park ISD Athletic
Director Johnny Ringo also praised students and staff for the award. “We celebrate our students and staff for an outstanding job,” Ringo said in a statement. “This is an award earned by the entire school. In addition to earning the 12th overall title, it is the 19th time in the 24-year history of the Cup that the Scots have finished first or second. Continuing to perform at such high levels during an unprecedented year is a true reflection of HPISD’s tradition of excellence in all areas.”
OTHER WINNERS Visit uiltexas.org to learn more about the UIL Lone Star Cup and see the winners in other classifications.
