News Briefs

Students from Billy Earl Dade Middle School participated in a “WE Day Texas” event, hosted by the Dallas-based nonprofit, Urban Specialists, in conjunction with the WE Volunteer Now Speaking Tour, that included captivating speeches and interactive workshops. Students learned about and discussed how they can use their time and talents in pursuit of a greater good. WE Schools, affiliated with the WE Charity network, “empowers young people to take meaningful action and become active local and global citizens” at WE Day events throughout the country. Lincoln High School will host a “WE Day Texas” event on Dec. 14.

Students from L.V. Stockard Middle School’s AVID program had the opportunity to visit Southern Methodist University in November to discover what life is really like as a college student. While at SMU, students visited with a professor of Journalism, took a tour of the school’s media center, and learned about different scholarships that are available to students looking to attend SMU. The AVID program at Stockard is working to erase the opportunity gap and provide our students with life experiences they might not otherwise have. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a program that teaches students skills such as note-taking…

Dallas ISD’s Stevens Park Elementary School dedicated its new learning garden at a special event on Wednesday, Dec. 6. The outdoor classroom was generously donated by surrounding neighborhood associations Stevens Park Estates, Stevens Park Village and the Old Oak Cliff Heritage Society. Also attending was Dallas ISD District 7 Trustee Audrey Pinkerton. The school’s choir and cheerleaders performed for guests, who also enjoyed refreshments in the new garden.

After graduating in 1992 as a star basketball player from South Oak Cliff High School, Derrick Battie went on to play as a starter for all four of his years at Temple University — one of the top NCAA men’s basketball programs in the country. Under the leadership of Hall of Fame coach John Chaney, Battie earned a trip to two NCAA Tournament Sweet 16s and one Elite 8 appearance. After spending some time playing basketball in the NBA and overseas, Battie is now giving back as a community liaison for his alma mater. The Hub checked in with with Battie…