Justin F. Kimball High School hosts annual Cinco de Mayo festivities

As parents and guests entered the media center at Justin F. Kimball High School, their senses were embraced by aromatic foods, colorful decorations and  energizing music.  This greeting for the senses was soon followed by, "Bienvenido,"  from a chorus of students whose purpose was to make everyone feel welcome. 

Today students with Spanish as their first language, along with other classmates, hosted the sixth annual Cinco de Mayo Community Luncheon at Justin F. Kimball High School.  Dressed in native attire, students, faculty and staff presented hospitality and culture with smiles.  

"Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "fifth of May") is a celebration held on May 5. It originated with Mexican-American communities in the American West as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy ..."

Over 145 parents were involved to help with planning the event.  They prepared food and beverages and came with much support and love.

Carmen Carillo - Teacher and Sponsor

Because of extensive parental involvement, community guests were treated to the tastes of more than fifty different dishes representing many countries of student origins.

Mariachi asies Mexico and student dance groups provided entertainment. 

Thanks again to teacher and sponsor Carmen Carrillo whose creativity and work with students makes this popular event happen each year.  Senora Carrillo will retire this year.  She will be missed.
 
Teacher Jaqueline Ornelas co-sponsored this student event.  Many other faculty and staff assisted and enjoyed.

The celebration was held in the Media Center where  librarian Theresa Anderson and assistant librarian Janice Mullins cheerfully serve.

Principal Earl Jones is campus leader.

The 2013 Cinco de Mayo Community Luncheon and celebration at Kimball High School was another success.

Celebrating Ms. Pinkie and the Pinkie M. King Gardner Auditorium

On Saturday afternoon, there was a special reason to gather at Dallas ISD's Wilmer-Hutchins High School.  The school auditorium was officially named the Pinkie M. King Gardner Auditorium.

I regret that I was unable to attend the celebration.

Ms. Pinkie grew up in Hutchins,TX and always had a desire to help people.

After graduating from high school, she pursued a career in nursing.  Long after retirement, she continued to contribute to the community of Hutchins and surrounding communities.  Believing that having an education  contributes to a fulfilling life, Ms. Pinkie still works with boys and girls to encourage and support them in their development to become empowered, responsible adults.

It was a pleasure to vote for Ms. Pinkie and to have participated in her nomination, for she well-deserves the  honor.

After her high school graduation--perhaps in her school auditorium-- in May 1939,
Ms. Pinkie tells  how their new school, recently built after a long-fought community
battle, mysteriously "burned to the ground."  She is now the only living graduate
of the first and only graduation class of the Wilmer Hutchins Colored High School.

Therefore,  it is fitting that the auditorium of the new Wilmer-Hutchins High School,
now a Dallas ISD school, bears her name.

Congratulations, Ms. Pinkie,  and best wishes to the students who will benefit from
knowing you and making fond memories in the Pinkie M. King Gardner Auditorium.

Teach For America Five-Year Contract Approved 7-2

Dallas ISD Trustees approved a five-Year contract with Teach for America.

Voting for the five-year contract:

• Lew Blackburn
• Bernadette Nutall
• Mike Morath
• Nancy  Bingham
• Edwing Flores
• Adam Medrano
• Eric Cowan

Voting against the five-year contact:

• Bruce Parrott
• Carla Ranger

Kathlyn Joy Gilliam - a dedicated educational and community 'servant leader' departed this life

"This is my thesis: caring for persons, the more able and the less able serving each other, is the rock upon which a good society is built." Robert K. Greenleaf - The Institution As Servant

On this 11th day in December a dedicated educational and community 'servant leader' departed this life at her home in her beloved sunny South Dallas, where she lived and served for decades.

Kathlyn Joy Gilliam was one of the longest serving Trustees in the history of Dallas ISD - 23 years.  She was the first African American female elected to the Board and the first African American President of the Board.

Her Motto:  "The only successful products of any school system are well-educated children."

We honor and praise Kathlyn Joy Gilliam for her life of service and advocacy on behalf of children and those left out and left behind.

May she rest in peace.

May her family and friends be comforted by the good news that the joy of her service and the dedication of her life will live in the memories of all who knew and will now remember her with thanks, love and appreciation.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, December 16, 2011 at Christian Chapel CME "Temple of Faith" Church, 14120 Noel Road, Dallas, TX 75254, 972-239-1120. Dr. Jerome McNeil, Jr. is the Senior Pastor.

Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program Recognizes Students

Dallas Arboretum provided the perfect environment as we celebrated the growth and flowering of students in the 2009 class of the Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program.

Founded by State Senator Royce West, the program provides leadership development training through a variety of ways, including summer internship-work experiences, cultural and educational field trips and high-profile networking sessions.

Former NASA astronaut Dr. Mary Ellen Weber, now at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, was keynote speaker. Her message offered a valuable tip -- going on an adventure or trying something new and different can spark a significant and positive turning point for one's career and life. That's how she became an astronaut.

A ballroom full of smiling parents, sponsors, and internship supervisors watched as students received scholarships and recognitions. Their accomplishments and service made us proud.

Along with Mrs. Eleanor Conrad, Mrs. Carolyn West and program director Lajuana Barton, several alumni were there to help, give guidance and share their experiences.

Congratulations and best wishes for a successful freshman year to all students in the 2009 Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program.

Thanks to Senator Royce West for continuing this outstanding student leadership program.