Inside Dallas ISD

Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household, Vernon Johnson learned early the value of education and philosophical inquiry. He was a bright student from the start, participating in Talented and Gifted programs throughout elementary and middle school. As a student at the Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet, Johnson and his debate partner, Crayton Gerst, consistently broke district debate records and were the first team in Dallas ISD history to attend and qualify twice to the Tournament of Champions, the most prestigious and competitive high school debate tournament. And that’s just the beginning of Johnson’s accomplishments. After he graduates this month,…

Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts students Jared Brown and Kaylin Sturtevant have been named Presidential Scholars in the Arts. Both Jared and Kaylin were selected in Modern Dance. The 20 Scholars in the Arts, all YoungArts Winners, were nominated to The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars by YoungArts for their artistic achievement, and then selected based on academic achievement, personal characteristics and leadership and service activities. The award, presented on behalf of the President of the United States, is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students and symbolically honors all graduating high school…

News that Texas Ranger Cole Hamels’ foundation is donating $5,000 grants to a pair of district schools prompted surprise and elation from the two recipients at Tuesday’s presentation event. Adelfa Callejo Elementary counselor Tiffany Minor and Winnetka Elementary P.E. teacher Cassandra Benavides are still reeling from the news and hoopla surrounding the announcement that their schools are receiving the first local grants from Hamels’ Foundation. The pair met and thanked their benefactor Tuesday at a student assembly held at Winnetka to formally announce the grant presentations. Benavides says she was surprised and elated at her selection to receive the $5,500 grant.…

Seven seniors from Sunset High School are expected to start well-paying, full-time jobs with the Dallas Sheriff’s Department after they graduate later this month. The students are already on their way to being trained as detention service officers, which start at $18 an hour, thanks to a program Sunset High School offers with the Dallas Sheriff’s Department. The Dallas County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Preparation Program (LEPP) acquainted the students with the nature and complexity of law enforcement. The program in many ways mirrored the basic training a recruit goes through to become an officer. Speakers from across the sheriff’s department—including chiefs…