Long time friends Dixey Arterburn and Ginger Sager, known as Thelma and Louise, are back together – just changing roles. In 2014 Ginger was President of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League and Dixey chaired the Presentation Ball. This year they will work together again, but the roles are reversed. Dixey will be the League President beginning in June and Ginger Sager will chair the Presentation Ball Chair scheduled for February 15, 2025. 

The Dynamic Duo is known as Thelma and Louise because of their close friendship. One is hardly seen without the other. 

Ginger recalls that at the end of planning the ball, “Jan Strimple, who was involved in the production of the event, greeted us at one meeting with, ‘It’s Thelma and Louise!,’ and it stuck. At the last ball rehearsal, we wore t-shirts with Thelma and Louise printed on them. We don’t need to wear nametags anymore!”

They love chairing events together. Thelma and Louise have worked together on many events including the Salvation Army Luncheon, Mardi Gras-St. Michael and All Angels Church, and Beacon of Hope Luncheon.

“We will have so much fun together – welcoming the new debs and their families and raising money for the DSO,” said Dixey. “We want all the families to enjoy and remember this special year.”

When this dynamic duo met in 2012, they realized they had a lot in common. They were both members of St. Michael and All Angels Church, Junior League and the DSOL. They became great friends, and now their families are friends too.

Save the date: 39th Annual Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Ball will be held on Saturday, February 15. As details become available, they will be posted on the League’s website www.dallassymphonyleague.com.

Tickets for the 66th annual Junior Symphony Ball (JSB)  “Purpose with a Party” fundraiser sold out within an hour of their release with hundreds more on the waitlist. The event on January 27th at the iconic Gilley’s Dallas witnessed a historic milestone with an unprecedented attendance of over 2,700 high school students from 35 schools. This outstanding turnout set a new record as the largest in the event's history. The Steering Committee, comprising more than 800 students, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the evening's success.

The JSB brought together high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors across the metroplex to celebrate with an evening filled with energetic live music, dynamic dancing, professionally staffed gaming tables, raffles, prizes and refreshments.

 “What makes JSB so special is this is the only party in town that every high school Sophomore through Senior is invited to attend,” said JSB 2024 Co-chair, Suzanne Austin. “These precious students are sometimes friends through social media, sports or school activities but this is the only time they can all come and spend an organized fun evening together.  This unique opportunity for our kiddos combined with raising money for an incredibly worthy cause is the right recipe for spectacular evening! My co-chairs and I are so appreciative of the overwhelming support from the parents, students, community businesses and underwriters that made this event so incredibly successful.” 

The dress code called for a Texas Tuxedo for the gentlemen and cocktail dresses paired with boots for the ladies. The majority of girls opted for short, black dresses, creating a striking sea of black enlivened by splashes of bright colors.

The evening kicked off with DJSC, the renowned DJ exclusive to The Dallas Cowboys for the past 15 years.  Also known as 13LACKBEARD, DJSC has shared the stage with notable artists like Snoop Dog, Chris Stapleton, and Taylor Swift. Possessing a larger-than-life persona, DJSC seamlessly commanded the crowd, drawing everyone to the dance floor. The music hit every major genre-and the energy level peaked in the jam-packed venue.

JSB headliner, Chris Ferrara and The Common Good, took the stage. They are a top-notch act in Nashville, headlining at Nashville Barstool nearly every Friday and Saturday night. His blend of city-boy swagger and country-boy soul was exactly what these high school students needed for a lively night of dancing.

The lineup of the 2024 Event Co-Chairs represents schools across Dallas: Cara Lichty, Episcopal School of Dallas; James Sutherland, St. Mark's School of Texas; Kate Fagan, The Hockaday School; Cash Nix, Highland Park High School; Ela Austin, Ursuline Academy; Ashton Krug, Jesuit College Prep of Dallas; Adelaide Boisture, Parish Episcopal School; Baker Trent, Bishop Lynch High School; Caroline Woram, Highland Park High School.

Their supportive and proud moms are: Suzanne Austin, Jenny Lichty, Ashley Boisture, Jonika Nix, Dana Woram, Holly Krug, Lauren Sutherland, Aimee Fagan, and Katy Trent.

From start to finish, the committee undertook the task of organizing logistics, planning activities, and implementing crowd control measures to guarantee the enjoyment of the vast gathering. The check-in went smoothly handling the process efficiently for the hundreds of students that came through. It culminated in a high-energy and memorable extravaganza for the staggering number of high school students in attendance.

“This is an event that my friends and I look forward to all year, so when asked if I wanted to be a part of planning it and be a co-chair, I was definitely on board,” said JSB student co-chair, Ela Austin. “My student co-chairs and I all do community service through our schools, but this was an opportunity for us to go beyond our schools and into the community and be a part of something bigger. This was something that was important to each one of us and was our way to help the Dallas Symphony and help the Youth Programs that JSB supports.”

Over 200 supportive parent volunteers helped to staff the evening including former JSB Ball Chair Mandy Click. April Willingham and Christie Cahoon were there for their high schoolers, but in the coming weeks, they will be attending another symphony event. They both have daughters making their debut at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s Presentation Ball on February 10.  

Sponsors include Mr. Tuxedo, Jenny Watts Photography, Competitive Cameras, Sewell, Veritex Community Bank, Highland Park Village, The Sidley Austin Foundation, and Stewart and Arango.

JSB is in its 66th year and is the longest running fundraiser of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL), supporting DSO outreach programs such as the Young Strings program and the Young Musicians program. It was founded with the concept of “student-led, parent-guided” leadership. While JSB has evolved in scope and participation size, it has always been a high school student fundraising event for the DSO hosted by area 10^th-12^th grade high school students and their parents. JSB has grown over the decades from just a handful of participating schools to over 35 this year.  

Follow JSB on Social Media

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JSBdallas/
Instagram @jsbdallas

About Chris Ferrara
Born and raised in the small town of Sharon, MA, relocated to Music City in 2013 with just a suitcase and a guitar, and he has been making a name for himself ever since. His music draws from an eclectic mix of influences - from Muscle Shoals to Motown and every stop in between - to bring a style that is as familiar as it is new.

About JSB
JSB was formed to introduce Dallas area students to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, a cultural gem to our city, and in turn, teach them about giving back to the community by hosting the student-led fundraiser.

Participation on a JSB committee teaches high school teens valuable leadership, organizational, and team-work skills while raising significant dollars for a worthy cause. JSB creates a unique opportunity for students from a multitude of backgrounds to work together for a common goal and a positive contribution to their greater community. Both private and public schools from all across the Metroplex organize, participate, fundraise and attend the JSB.

JSB is a time honored tradition and a great first foray into giving back to the community and supporting music education on a larger scale. Proceeds benefit Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s community outreach and education programs, including Young Strings and Young Musicians that will benefit over 14,000 students, making a positive impact for under-served youth in Dallas and throughout North Texas. 

Photos by FLASH photography and Deborah Brown

Nominations Accepted Now 

The Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce is soliciting nominations for its annual Teacher of the Year Award. The purpose is to recognize educators K-12 who are providing outstanding education for their respective students. Recipients of this award must have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique and novel programs that are serving to improve and promote education. The deadline for submitting nominations and applications is Sunday, March 31, 2024.

There will be awards for public and private elementary, middle and high schools in the East Dallas area of Dallas. A total of six awards will be presented. Each recipient will receive a $250 cash prize and each school represented will receive $250 as well.

Nominations are being solicited today! The awards will be presented at a cocktail reception on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at St. John’s Episcopal School located at 848 Harter Road.

All nominations will be submitted online.

Below are the criteria for the nominees:

NOMINEE ELIGIBILITY
Individuals employed as full-time classroom/laboratory/ teachers and coaches are eligible recipients for this award.

CRITERIA

1. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE:  The nominee demonstrates instructional expertise, creativity, and innovation. The nominee uses a variety of techniques to effectively address students’ different learning styles and needs. The nominee is an instructional leader at the local, state, and/or national level.
2. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:  The nominee frequently interacts with community members on substantive education issues. The nominee identifies and helps to bring community resources to students in both formal and informal settings.
3. LEADERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:  The nominee continually engages in experience to improve his or her practice and to gain new skills and knowledge. The nominee shares this new learning with colleagues in a variety of venues. The nominee’s participation in and commitment to professional development has a visible impact on his or her institution, student and community.
4. ATTENTION TO DIVERSITY: The nominee works to provide a learning environment that meets the needs of all students, regardless of differences. The nominee recognizes and explicitly addresses the full array of values, cultures, and experiences represented in our diverse modern society, both through curriculum and instruction and in other interactions with students.

Deadline: March 31, 2024

Online nomination forms are available:  www.eastdallaschamber.com

For further information: 214-328-4100
Email to: president@eastdallaschamber.com 

General Admission tickets for the 66^th Annual Junior Symphony Ball (JSB)  - "Purpose with a Party" are SOLD OUT and several hundred names are on the wait list. The Steering Committee consists of over 800 students and there are just a few of those tickets still available on the website starting at $395. Visit  https://www.dallassymphonyleague.com/Junior-Symphony-Ball-Steering-Committee

Over 2,500 high school students from 35 schools are expected to attend the event set for Saturday, January 27^th at Gilley’s from 7:30 – 10:30 pm. The JSB is a “Purpose with a Party” fundraising event where high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors come together and celebrate with an evening filled with live music, dancing, professionally staffed gaming tables, raffles, prizes and refreshments. Chris Ferrara and The Common Good will headline the JSB when the band takes over the iconic Gilley's Dallas for the night of music and dancing.

The night will begin with DJSC, the exclusive DJ for The Dallas Cowboys. DJSC, also known as 13LACKBEARD, has also opened for Snoop Dog, Chris Stapleton, and Taylor Swift, to name a few. He has a bigger than life personality and is known by fans as the “ultimate hype machine”.  “The fans love him –he hits every major genre-and the feel-good energy at his shows is awesome to experience.”

JSB headliner, Chris Ferrara is one of the hottest acts in Nashville and is the headliner at Nashville Barstool almost every Friday and Saturday night. His combination of city boy swagger and country boy soul with be just the right mix for an energetic and exciting night for these Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors!

JSB is in its 66th year and is the longest running fundraiser of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL), supporting DSO outreach programs such as the Young Strings program and the Young Musicians program. It was founded with the concept of “student-led, parent-guided” leadership. While JSB has evolved in scope and participation size, it has always been a high school student fundraising event for the DSO hosted by area 10^th-12^th grade high school students and their parents. JSB has grown over the decades from just a handful of participating schools to over 35 at the 2023 event which raised a record amount of $415,000.

The 2024 Co-Chairs represents schools across Dallas: Cara Lichty, Episcopal School of Dallas; James Sutherland, St. Mark's School of Texas; Kate Fagan, The Hockaday School; Cash Nix, Highland Park High School; Ela Austin, Ursuline Academy; Ashton Krug, Jesuit College Prep of Dallas; Adelaide Boisture, Parish Episcopal School; Baker Trent, Bishop Lynch High School; Caroline Woram, Highland Park High School.

Their supportive and proud moms are: Suzanne Austin, Jenny Lichty, Ashley Boisture, Jonika Nix, Dana Woram, Holly Krug, Lauren Sutherland, Aimee Fagan, and Katy Trent. 

Follow JSB on Social Media

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JSBdallas/
Instagram @jsbdallas

Photo by Jenny Watts Photography

Key to photo:

Front row: Adelaide Boisture, Parish Episcopal School; Kate Fagan, The Hockaday School; Ela Austin, Ursuline Academy; Cara Lichty, Episcopal School of Dallas; Caroline Woram, Highland Park High School.

Back Row: James Sutherland, St. Mark's School of Texas; Ashton Krug, Jesuit College Prep of Dallas; Cash Nix, Highland Park High School; Baker Trent, Bishop Lynch High School.

In a symphony of elegance and festive jubilation, the 2024 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debutantes took center stage at a holiday reception and seated dinner on November 22, 2023, at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

Guided by the gracious Presentation Ball Chair, Kristin Cordiak, the debutantes, their esteemed honor guards, and families were welcomed.

Kristin expressed gratitude, stating, "We are so very grateful for the opportunity to celebrate and honor the inspiring and talented young women and men who comprise our 2024 Debutantes and Honor Guard, and their families."

DSOL President Nancy Labadie, though absent, was there in spirit as she spent Thanksgiving in Indiana creating cherished memories with her son Will, his wife Lizzie and newborn twin granddaughters.

The DSOL has been integral to Honorary Chairs Margaret and Barry Hancock, who were welcomed on stage. Margaret was a Debutante for the 2^nd annual Presentation Ball in 1988 and was match dated with Barry by family friends, Tincy Miller and Sharon McCullough. In 1991, Barry served as Honor Guard President and in 1992 Margaret and Barry married. The family tradition of service continued as Barbara Hancock, served as Ball Chairman and Margaret served as the Jr. Chair for the 1994 Presentation Ball.  

The Hancock family, a beacon of tradition, stands as the first to have both parents and all children partake in the Presentation Ball. Daughter Mary Margaret was presented in 2016, son James was an Honor Guard escort in 2020 and daughter Katherine was presented in 2022. 

Returning families, the Clay Smiths, the Scott Wheelers, the Adam Stiles, the Eric Gambrells, the Thomas Le Voyers, and Max Swangos, added to the rich tapestry of the evening with a second debutante. The Jason Downing family, witnessing their third daughter's debut, exemplify the enduring allure of the Presentation Ball.

For the Honor Guard, tradition also runs deep with Vaughn and brother Vance Miller as well as Robert Peacock representing a third generation of dedication.

Under the spotlight, emcee Stan Gardner formally introduced each debutante and they were joined by an honor guard escort for the presentation. A debutante gift of pearl earrings was provided by Eiseman Jewels, NorthPark Center, symbolizing the timeless beauty of this cherished event.

Proud parents, their hearts swelling with pride, were in abundance. Kristina and John Hallam, Dena Miller, Laura and Jason Downing, and Gayle Sands were among those beaming with joy.

The evening unfolded as part of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, offering a shopping extravaganza for moms and a Bow Boot Camp for the debutantes. The stage is set for a return during the Christmas Holidays, with a calendar filled with parties and bow practice, all leading up to the 38th Presentation Ball on February 10, 2024, at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

The 2024 Debutantes are: Helena Breland Bach; Erika Mae Batson; Mia Lane Blanton; Claire Elise Cahoon; Ripley Elizabeth Cooley; Kennedy Claire Downing; Electra Wallace Ford; Sarah Rose Gambrell; Ellie McClain Gidden; Catherine Lee Grayson; Camille Anne Greening; Meredith Elizabeth Hallam; Grace Soleil Handler; Caroline Parker Hart; Catherine Bradford Hunt; Isabella Ann Jackson; Ashley Elizabeth Jaynes; Ellen Taylor Jones; Minje Kwun; Emannuelle Grace Le Voyer; Claire Michael Levy; Riya Kaur Luthra; Elizabeth Myers Madison; Avery Pilar Moore; Finley Elizabeth Nelson; Day Gilmire Nettle; Lillian Susan Nettle; Mina Hiranmayee Raj; Bailey Erin Robirds; Courtenay Christianson Sands, Kathryn Bunker Sands; Caroline Robertson Smith; Sheridan Michelle Spencer; Caroline Story Stiles; Leslie Katherine Swango; Caroline Parker Teegarden; Payton Grace Thurman; Megan McKamy Dyer Underwood; Lauren Alexis Watkins; Charlotte Nicole Webb; Kelley Caroline Wheeler; Abigail Archer Willingham; Claire Anh Wooley; and Sophia Corina Yung.

The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is the largest fundraiser for the DSOL. This annual celebration, dreamed of by visionary Tincy Miller, has become a cornerstone of the DSOL's mission.

Since its inception in 1946, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League has embraced the mission to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education, and fundraising, contributing over $22 million to outreach and education programs.

In the grand symphony of philanthropy and tradition, the 2024 DSOL Presentation Ball will be a celebration of legacy, elegance, and the enduring spirit of giving.

Photos by James French Photography