Posts by Claire St. Amant
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A Tale of Two Symphony Balls
Humor me for a moment as I put on my gossip columnist hat and entertain a little rumor. It’s not often that I get a phone call where someone dishes out dirt — that’s the kind of stuff I generally have to dig up myself.
Most commonly, phone calls and emails come flooding in about games won, galas well danced, and other joyous occasions. But yesterday, I got a call about the Junior Symphony Ball that included such memorable and visceral descriptions as “walking through vomit in cowboy boots,” “drunk fest,” and “complete orgy.” The caller, whose daughter attended the Jan. 28 ball, said chaperones turn a blind eye to alcohol and drug use, and that the event has been declining in decorum for years.
This all falls in stark contrast to the JSB that Michelle Duncan, co-chair of the event, attended.
“The things she’s attesting to are really not correct,” Duncan said.
By Claire St. Amant Feb. 1, 2012 | 10:01 am | 6 Comments | Comments RSS -
Hillcrest Looks to Unseat Booker T. at Mock Trial
On Saturday, Hillcrest High School will compete in the final round of the DISD Mock Trial competition. The Panthers are one of only four teams to advance to the city championship and will face defending champs Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Skyline High School, and Judge Barefoot Sanders School of Law.The winning team will advance to the state championship in March.
By Claire St. Amant Jan. 31, 2012 | 2:27 pm | No Comments | Comments RSS -
More Changes Afoot at ESD
John Eagle and Joe Colonnetta, previously the chairman and vice-chairman of the Episcopal School of Dallas’ board of directors, will no longer serve in those capacities. Eagle announced the leadership changes in an email to parents earlier today.
According to the email, board members elected Plack Carr as chairman and Ken Schnitzer as vice-chairman during yesterday’s meeting. The changes will take effect in June.
Eagle has served as chairman since 2000, while Colonnetta took the vice-chairman position in the 2011-2012 school year. As has been customary for all the leadership changes enacted after a jury found the school liable for gross negligence and fraud in September, the letter made no mention of the verdict or the sexual assault of a student that preceded the lawsuit.
By Claire St. Amant Jan. 18, 2012 | 4:11 pm | 2 Comments | Comments RSS -
Mirror, Mirror on The Wall, Who’s The Most Helpful of Them All?
Every day, newspapers are filled with articles about violence, crime, and general upheaval. While those stories are undoubtedly newsworthy, I gather from the disdain the American public shows for the media that you’d like to see more positive stories grace our pages.
We hear you.
Preston Hollow People would like to recognize the person who donated the most time, energy, and resources in 2011 as its People Person of the Year. However, we need your help. Let us know who you think deserves our inaugural volunteerism award by nominating someone right now. Winners will be announced in our Feb. 3 edition.
By Claire St. Amant Jan. 17, 2012 | 7:00 am | No Comments | Comments RSS -
Kramer PTA to Meet Tonight
Start out 2012 with a dose of community engagement and attend the Kramer Elementary PTA working meeting at 6:30 p.m. Find out what the association has planned for the new year and get to know fellow parents.
Put in your working hours tonight so you can enjoy the PTA party Jan. 20. All official members will receive an invitation with party details at a later date.
By Claire St. Amant Jan. 10, 2012 | 7:00 am | No Comments | Comments RSS -
Yeah, We Got That Viral Email Too
We’ve fielded our share of bogus email forwards decrying the declining state of NorthPark Center, most notably a string of them in February referring to “gangs.” While we couldn’t corroborate those rumors, the latest viral email appears to be somewhat legitimate.
The email alleges that a gang beat up a Dallas Academy student near NorthPark last week, and that the manager of Macy’s refused to provide help when the bloodied teen’s friends brought him to the store to clean him up.
Here’s what we know:
- There was an assault on Jan. 2. According to Dallas police, “20 to 40″ people beat up a 17-year-old boy and two others in a parking lot in the 9100 block of North Central Expressway.
- The 17-year-old boy is a student at Dallas Academy, a school spokeswoman confirmed, and “a great kid.”
- NorthPark issued a statement through Androvett Media acknowledging the incident, but defending the actions of Macy’s employees. “Macy’s staff responded professionally and compassionately in assisting this young man by calling 911 and contacting the Dallas Police Department.”
We’ve tried to reach out to the 17-year-old’s parents. Look for more details in this week’s paper.
By Claire St. Amant Jan. 9, 2012 | 5:30 pm | 3 Comments | Comments RSS -
Franklin Soccer Team Wins District
The Franklin girls soccer team defeated Zumwalt Middle School 4-1 on Saturday to win district. The Franklin Falcons will take on Gaston Middle School on Jan. 14 for the City Championship.
Congratulations, and good luck this weekend!
By Claire St. Amant Jan. 9, 2012 | 3:08 pm | No Comments | Comments RSS -
What Do You Want in a Superintendent?
That’s the question DISD is asking and hoping parents will answer. To contribute to the conversation, drop by a community meeting today between 6:30 and 8 p.m. at W.T. White High School (4505 Ridgeside Drive).
By Claire St. Amant Jan. 9, 2012 | 7:02 am | No Comments | Comments RSS -
North Dallas Chamber to Host Economic Forum
Are you wondering what the twists and turns of 2012 could mean for your financial portfolio? Head to the Doubletree Hotel (8250 N. Central Expressway) at 7:30 a.m. Friday for the North Dallas Chamber’s annual Economic Outlook Forum.
Guest speakers Bernard Weinstein, associate director of the Maguire Energy Institute and an adjunct professor of business economics at SMU, and Ted C. Jones, senior vice president and chief economist for Stewart Title Guaranty Company and director of investor relations for Stewart Information Services Corporation, will advise attendees how interest rates, stock prices, and political events could impact investments. Mary Frances Burleson, president and CEO of Ebby Halliday Companies, will moderate the event.
When three people hold seven titles at five companies, it’s a good sign their words are worth your time.
By Claire St. Amant Jan. 5, 2012 | 7:28 am | No Comments | Comments RSS -
Royall Announces Retirement, Mayo to Assume Duties
Father Stephen Swann, who announced his own retirement on Dec. 20, sent an email to ESD parents late Tuesday stating that chief academic officer Rebecca Royall was retiring for health reasons. Royall has worked at ESD since 1977. Her duties will be absorbed by upper school head Erin Mayo, who has been at ESD for five years.
Royall, Mayo, and Swann were the three administrators who claimed responsibility for forcing Jane Doe II to withdraw from the school two months after it was discovered she was in a sexual relationship with teacher J. Nathan Campbell. In September, a jury found the school liable for gross negligence and fraud for how it handled the student’s exit and awarded the family $9.2 million.
For more on this development, pick up the Jan. 6 edition of Preston Hollow People or subscribe today.
By Claire St. Amant Jan. 3, 2012 | 5:14 pm | 10 Comments | Comments RSS
