Courtesy photo Energy Transfer
Nearly 200 students at Ben Milam Elementary School in Dallas received a hands-on opportunity Oct. 24 in planting when Energy Transfer donated 60 trees and shrubs to the school. Second-through-fifth-graders worked alongside 30 of the Dallas-based company and were led and educated by members of the nonprofit Texas Trees Foundation. Students were taught how to care for the trees, as well as the social, economic, environmental and health benefits of trees.
It’s the second consecutive year of Energy Transfer and the nonprofit’s partnership, a press announcement stated. It equates to more than $58,000 over two years, including $38,171 in monetary donations from Energy Transfer employees.
Courtesy photo/Energy Transfer
Separately, TXU Energy and TTF announced today that they are launching a statewide tree-planting campaign, celebrating 20 years of working together to create greener, healthier communities through the TXU Energy Urban Tree Farm and Education Center. Volunteers will plant 400 trees this month, donated by TXU Energy, in ten communities across Texas.
“For 20 years, TXU Energy has worked hand in hand with Texas Trees Foundation to plant and nurture thousands of trees across the state,” stated Brad Watson, TXU Energy’s senior director of community affairs, in a press release. “We are proud to support the tree farm, a special place that serves as a living classroom and the starting line for projects that increase the urban tree canopy, clean our air and leave a lasting impact on the communities we serve.”
The farm, which is one of the largest urban tree farms in the country, is located on the Dallas College – Richland Campus. It serves as TTF’s tree nursery, a volunteer and education destination, and the staging area for planting projects across north Texas.
20th anniversary tree-planting events will happen in the following locations:
Nov. 6: Fort Worth Independent School District students and volunteers will plant 50 trees at Riverside Applied Learning Center.
Nov. 8: Volunteers will plant 150 trees at the city of Irving‘s in-ground tree nursery.
Nov. 9: Volunteers will plant 50 trees at the city of Dallas‘ Bushman Park.
Nov. 15: Harris County volunteers will plant 30 trees at Adair Park in partnership with Trees for Houston.
Additional trees will be delivered and planted in Galveston County, city of Pharr, City of Harlingen, Channelview Independent School District, city of Tyler, and Texas Tech University in Lubbock.
The city of Frisco announced plans to partner with the Prosper Independent School District on a proposed Frisco Center for the Arts and collaborate with Broadway Across America/Broadway Dallas to create a Broadway Frisco series to reside in the facility.
The “vision” for FCFA includes a 2,800-seat performance hall, capable of accommodating Broadway and large touring and community productions, as well as a 300-to-400-seat community hall, to be used primarily by Prosper ISD while also providing access to community organizations and events. The proposed facility also includes support spaces, rehearsal areas, and visual arts creative spaces, a city press release stated.
More than seven square miles of Prosper ISD is located within the city, and more than 2,900 of the district’s students live in the city. A location for the proposed facility has not been determined; however, it will be built within overlapping boundaries, according to information provided by the city.
The potential FCFA project requires the Frisco City Council to put the proposed measure on a ballot. Frisco voters would decide whether to fund the project.
The FCFA, as proposed, has a total maximum project budget of $340 million, the press release stated. Prosper ISD intends to contribute $100 million from its 2023 Performing Arts Center bond funds. The city is considering private and philanthropic funding sources, which would not increase property taxes, should voters approve the proposed facility.
“The City of Frisco has envisioned a performing arts hall for two decades…,” stated Mayor Jeff Cheney, in the release.
“The decision to participate will be up to Frisco voters if the proposed project, Frisco Center for the Arts, is placed on a ballot by the City Council in 2025,” he stated.
PISD Board of Trustees received a report on Oct. 21 about the “proposed partnership with the city to build a new state-of-the-art Center for the Arts that will serve the learners, educators and community.”
The collaboration would allow teachers and students to produce campus and district concerts, musicals and theatrical productions while also participating in Broadway-level productions with outside partners. Nothing is definite.
“The potential for our students to learn from and work alongside industry professionals in a state-of-the-art facility aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences. This partnership represents a unique opportunity to maximize resources and create something special for our school community and the broader area,” stated Holly Ferguson, Prosper ISD’s superintendent.
The city finalized a letter of intent with Broadway Across America/Broadway Dallas (BAA/BD) which would be the presenter of first-class Broadway shows at the new facility as an annual Broadway Frisco series.
“Reflecting the population growth and interest in arts and culture across North Texas, we look forward to creating a new Broadway Frisco series for the community while we continue to present Broadway Dallas at the Music Hall at Fair Park and the AT&T Performing Arts Center,” stated Ken Novice, Broadway Dallas’ president.
More information about the project status is available at theatreprojects.com/FriscoPlanning.
Junior Achievement of Dallas will honor business leaders Allie Beth Allman, Curtis C. Farmer and Dale Petroskey as Laureates at the annual Dallas Business Hall of Fame Feb. 22 at the Omni Dallas Hotel.
In addition to honoring each recipient’s achievements, the 27th gala will raise funds to support J.A.’s mission to inspire and prepare young people for success the the global economy. Last year, J.A. Dallas brought nearly 120,000 students immersive experiences to build skill sets and mindsets to achieve and lead. Corporate and community volunteers shared more than 500,000 hours of their time to mentor and inspire at 78 school partners and with the assistance of six nonprofits.
Allie Beth Allman, executive director of the board and founder of Allie Beth Allman & Associates, has been a powerhouse in luxury residential real estate for more than 30 years. She has been on the top list of Dallas agents since her arrival on the residential real estate scene.
Curtis C. Farmer, chairman, president and CEO of Comerica Inc. and Comerica Bank, is a leader in the banking industry. With more than three decades of experience, including key roles at Wachovia Corp., Farmer guided Comerica to new heights since assuming the role of CEO in 2019. He serves on numerous boards, including the SMU Cox School of Business Executive Board and the Wake Forest University Board, and he is an active member of the Bank Policy Institute and Dallas Citizens Council.
Dale Petroskey is president and CEO of Dallas Regional Chamber, which plays a vital role in strengthening the region’s economy. Under his leadership, the chamber was named National Chamber of the Year in 2022. Petroskey’s career spans from his time as assistant White House press secretary to President Reagan, to serving as president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. He serves on several boards, including SMU‘s Lyle School of Engineering, EducateDallas, the Dallas Mavericks Advisory Council and the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation.
“Each of these Laureates has made a tremendous impact on our region,” said Chris LaTurno, president and CEO of JA Dallas, stated in a press release. “They are business icons who exemplify the spirit of giving back through their companies and in the community. By recognizing their accomplishments, we ensure their legacy will inspire and shape the leaders of tomorrow.”
Since its inception, the Dallas Business Hall of Fame has raised more than $5 million. Those funds have helped JA of Dallas bring 700,000 local students learning experiences in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and information on the event, visit jadallasbusinesshalloffame.org.
Faith Lutheran School in Plano will host an information session at 9:30 a.m. Weds., Nov. 13 to showcase its classical Lutheran education for preschoolers through high school seniors, a press release stated. For information and to register, go to www.flsplano.org.
Tarleton State University students seeking a bachelor’s degree will now have the opportunity to earn a 125 Guarantee award of $1,000 by completing all degree requirements within four years from their first day of college enrollment, a press release stated. The new award is part of Tarleton State’s 125 Years of Excellence celebration; qualified December 2024 graduates are set to be the first recipients.
First-time freshmen, transfers and readmits will all be considered. To qualify, a student must provide official documentation of their high school (or equivalent) completion date in their first semester, if not already submitted during the application process. Immediate enrollment after high school is not required.
The four-year time frame starts on the first day of college enrollment, after high school graduation, at Tarleton or another college or university.
To earn a 125 Guarantee award, students must be seeking their first bachelor’s degree. Once they start, they must complete at least 30 hours within each 12-month period while meeting all requirements for the bachelor’s degree by the end of the fourth year. The 12-month period includes fall, spring and summer courses.
Once a student has their bachelor’s degree conferred and Tarleton State has verified that they meet all requirements for eligibility, the student will receive a 125 Guarantee award of $1,000.
For information, visit tarleton.edu/scholarships/125-guarantee/.
Toyota, which bases its North American operations in Plano, announced today a donation of $80,000 to schools in Arizona and Georgia, providing them with the funds to support the schools’ existing music education programs. The benefiting schools include Chandler High School in Chandler, Arizona; and Fulton County Schools, Benjamin Banneker High School and Tri-Cities High School, all in Atlanta
A student event was hosted at Tri-Cities High with special guests including Latin Grammy-nominated music superstar Danny Ocean and Grammy-nominated composer, producer, philanthropist, and artist Mali Wilson, along with other local music talent and Toyota (NYSE: TM) representatives, to inspire students and engage them in conversations around the importance of music for creative expression and education. Students also engaged in an interactive session with Wilson and Ocean, along with local music producers to demonstrate the power of collaboration for success.
“Music is not just an art form, it’s a universal language that fosters creativity and collaboration,” stated Steve Appelbaum, sponsorship senior manager at Toyota, in a press release. “We recognize the vital role that education plays in shaping our future leaders. Every student deserves the opportunity to explore their talents, be it in music, sports or any academic pursuit, as it enriches their educational journey and prepares them for success in any career they choose.”
Earlier this year, Toyota USA Foundation announced grants to schools in Fulton County, Georgia; and Chandler and Tempe, Arizona; to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. The grants are part of the foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative, which brings together educators, local and national nonprofits, industry and communities and aims to provide equal access to opportunities and pathways to high-growth careers.