News Briefs

Lyriq Turner, a fifth-grader at Charles Rice Learning Center, took the top spot in the 24th annual Gardere MLK Jr. Oratory Competition final. She and seven other finalists vied for the top honors on Friday, Jan. 15, at The Majestic Theatre. Multiple media outlets covered the great event. Go here to see NBC DFW’s report; go here to see WFAA’s report; and go here to see a story from the Dallas Morning News.

Established in 1983, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrates the accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the fight for civil rights in the U.S. In addition to activities celebrating the life of Dr. King, the holiday has been combined with a national day of service to honor the spirit of his life’s work. We’ve compiled a list of events in and around Dallas this holiday weekend for you and your family to enjoy. 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration and Parade: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Dallas has several events scheduled for…

Eric Cowan is no stranger to public service and child advocacy. He has served on the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees since 2010 and is the current board president, a position he was twice selected by his board colleagues to fill. President Cowan represents District 7, which includes North Central Oak Cliff and parts of West Dallas. Throughout his years on the board, Cowan has continued to champion students throughout the Dallas Independent School District and, as a district parent, he continues to be a voice for parents as he makes decisions that affect the districts roughly 160,000 students. For…

Seventeen Dallas ISD students spelled their way to the Dallas County spelling bee after the district round was conducted on Tuesday, Jan. 12. There were 95 students from 60 schools who participated at bees at César Chavez Learning Center, Clinton P. Russell Elementary School, Henry B. Gonzales Elementary School, Jerry Junkins Elementary School and Jimmie Tyler Brashear Elementary School. The county bee will feature winners from public schools in the county and will be 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at the Dallas County Schools Technology & Training Center, 5151 Samuell Blvd. Dallas ISD students advancing to the county bee are:…