Greet University Park

11/12/2025

🎶 Highlander Band: Leading with Heart, Rhythm, and Highland Park Pride 💙💛

🎷 Ian Hyde: A Jazz Clarinetist Breaking Boundaries
For senior Ian Hyde, music isn’t just a school activity—it’s a lifelong calling. A University Park native, Ian has been surrounded by music since childhood and discovered his unique voice through jazz clarinet. While most jazz musicians lean toward the saxophone, Ian was inspired by New Orleans legend Doreen Ketchens, whom he affectionately calls “The Queen of the Clarinet.”

“I’ve always loved the clarinet’s role in New Orleans jazz,” Ian says. “It feels special to carry that tradition forward while also finding my own sound.”

Ian’s résumé speaks volumes. He has earned a coveted All-State Band ranking—one of Texas’s highest musical honors—and performed with the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra and at the International Clarinet Conference. His talent even took him to Birdland Jazz Club in New York City, one of the most iconic jazz venues in the world.

As a drum major, Ian channels the improvisational spirit of jazz into his leadership.

“In jazz, you often play with people you’ve never performed with before, so you learn quickly about listening, adjusting, and leading in the moment,” he explains. “That same skill helps when I’m conducting the band—it’s about uniting people through music.”

Outside rehearsals, Ian can often be found performing in Dallas-area jazz clubs, connecting with local musicians and refining his craft. After graduation, he plans to pursue a fine arts degree with a focus on jazz performance, continuing his journey toward a professional music career.

🎺 From the concert stage to the marching field, Ian’s passion and artistry remind everyone that leadership can be as dynamic as a jazz solo—grounded in skill, but always open to collaboration and creativity.

11/10/2025

🎺 Highlander Band: Leading with Heart, Precision, and Spirit 💙💛

✨ Kaden Rice: Precision, Persistence, and Skyward Goals
For Head Drum Major Kaden Rice, leadership is about persistence, precision, and vision. Since moving to University Park from New Jersey in 2015, she’s made her mark both in the band program and throughout Highland Park High School—serving as Vice President and lead litigator for Youth and Government, and earning honors like the Girl Scout Gold Award and the Gold Scot Service Award—three times.

Still, it’s the Highlander Band that holds her heart. From her first flute lesson in fifth grade to leading the band as drum major, Kaden has embraced every challenge with dedication and enthusiasm.

“Marching band is the perfect mix of structure and fun,” she says. “The challenge of precision is what drives me—but it’s the people that make it special. The friendships, the late-night practices, the game-day excitement—it all comes together to create something bigger than yourself.”

Her commitment has earned her a place in All-Region Band year after year and taught her valuable lessons in teamwork and empathy.

“You can’t do this alone,” Kaden explains. “It takes resilience to show up every day, but it also takes connection to bring everyone along.”

🎓 Beyond the field, Kaden is also taking her leadership to the skies. Inspired by her flight instructor, Mackenzie Reed, she has earned her Professional Pilot License and plans to study commercial aviation in college.

“Mackenzie showed me that you can turn your passion into a career,” Kaden says. “She created a space where people feel welcome to chase their dreams—and that’s what I hope to do as well.”

Stay tuned for more on Ian Hyde and Mitch Dauphinais, two more leaders bringing rhythm, dedication, and pride to Highland Park’s unforgettable Friday nights. 🎶

11/08/2025

🎺 Highlander Band: Leading with Heart, Precision, and Spirit 💙💛

When the Highlander Band takes the field on a Friday night, the energy in the stands is electric. From the brassy opening notes of the fight song to the perfectly timed formations, the performance captures the essence of Highland Park spirit. And at the center of it all—keeping the tempo, setting the tone, and leading nearly 100 musicians—are three remarkable drum majors: Mitch Dauphinais, Kaden Rice, & Ian Hyde

11/05/2025

🎄 The Gingerbread Stroll: Sweet Creations for a Great Cause 🍭

WHAT: Stroll through Highland Park Village and admire an enchanting display of elaborate gingerbread houses, each crafted by talented Dallas chefs and designers. These whimsical creations will be silent auctioned, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Community Partners of Dallas, this year’s 2025 beneficiary.

WHEN: November 14 – November 30, 2025

WHERE: Highland Park Village and select merchants around the neighborhood

✨ Don’t miss this beloved holiday tradition—The Gingerbread Stroll—where community spirit, creativity, and compassion come together to make the season a little sweeter.

11/03/2025

🎄🍪 Get Ready for a Merry Holiday Cookie Decorating Party with Mrs. Claus & Photos with Santa! 🎅✨

Kids and kids-at-heart—this festive afternoon is for you! Step into a magical, sugar-dusted wonderland at Ed Kellum & Son (4415 N Central Expy) on Friday, December 6, from 1–3 PM for a joyful holiday celebration presented with love and a little extra “Frost” from our friends at Frost Bank. ❄️

🎨 What’s Happening:
🍪 Decorate freshly baked cookies with colorful icings, sprinkles & toppings galore
🤶 Learn decorating tips straight from Mrs. Claus
🎅 Snap a photo and share your wish list with Santa
🎶 Enjoy festive music, sweet treats & community cheer

Thanks to Frost Bank’s generous support, everyone can add some “Frost” to their cookies and their holiday spirit!

💌 RSVP using the QR code or email [email protected]
so we have plenty of cookies and supplies for everyone.

Let’s make the season extra sweet—one Frost-fully decorated cookie at a time! 🍭✨

11/01/2025

🍽 Foodie Review: Claremont Serves Global Comfort with Local Ease 🌍✨

University Park’s own Jessica Hoffmann () checked out The Claremont, the stylish newcomer that’s bringing a touch of South Africa to Dallas dining. Named for the Cape Town neighborhood where the owner’s grandparents lived, The Claremont blends American classics with South African flair—and it’s quickly becoming a local favorite.

Taking over the former Suze space at Midway and NW Highway, the restaurant trades cool greys for a warm, vibrant atmosphere that feels both bustling and welcoming. Even on busy Saturday nights, service shines—friendly, polished, and thoughtful.

⭐ Don’t miss:

Deviled eggs & tuna tartare tostada

Creamy pimento cheese with crudité and BBQ chips (perfect for sharing)

Seared tuna with whipped yogurt, lemon & garlic (a fresh Mediterranean twist!)

Redfish entrée for seafood lovers

🍸 Happy Hour Alert: Weekdays 4–6 PM – $10 martinis, margaritas & wines, plus a $12 cheeseburger, oysters, and dip duo.

✅ Pro tip: Make a reservation—this neighborhood gem fills up fast!

Follow for more delicious Dallas finds and foodie favorites.

10/30/2025

✨Party Crasher Alert!✨

University Park’s own Rosangela Zurawel—REALTOR®, designer, mom, wife, and party crasher extraordinaire—was on the scene at the Dallas Country Club for the Empowered Women Empowering Young Girls – The EmpowerHER Dinner announcement party, presented by Westwood Wealth Management and benefiting the Young Women’s Preparatory Network.

Event Chairs Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo of Lone Star Monarchs, the dinner’s Visionary Sponsor, welcomed an elegant crowd and revealed a powerhouse lineup of celebrity chefs: Janice Provost, Anastacia Quiñones, Dunia Borga, Leigh Hutchinson, and Mollie Guerra—each creating a signature course for the main event on November 13.

Also announced were Auction Chairs Rosangela Zurawel, Kunthear Mam-Douglas, and Cathy Amos, with committee members Geoffrey Schorr, Elizabeth Smith, Sandra Taylor, Laura Wells, and Mike Yan.

A dazzling evening celebrating women who uplift and inspire—Dallas at its finest! 💫

📸 Want your event “party crashed” by Rosangela? Contact her at (469) 236-6819 or [email protected]

10/28/2025

Welcome to Our Newest Preferred Business Sponsors!

Bedding should be as functional as it is beautiful. With Sierra Dreams, making your bed is no longer a chore. Their innovative Align™ snap system ensures luxury bedding stays perfectly in place. The Align™ Duvet offers hassle-free, secure placement every night, while Align™ Sheets are thoughtfully designed so making the bed feels just as satisfying as slipping into it. Crafted from the finest, most luxurious fabric on the market, Sierra Dreams delivers a level of comfort and elegance unmatched by any competitor. Every detail is designed with care, and their no-risk, 30-day free return policy means you can experience the difference with complete confidence.

www.sierradreams.com

10/28/2025

10/28/2025

Highland Park finishes a 14-0 run through District 12-5A, the toughest league it has ever played in, according to Coach Michael Dearman.

10/25/2025

Meet the Olvera Irigoyen-Jeanvoine family, University Park residents for the past seven years who bring together French and Mexican heritage in a home filled with culture, creativity, and community.

Zélie, a French and Spanish teacher, and her husband Oscar, a product manager, share their love of books, music, and the outdoors with daughters Constance (14) and Elinor (12). From ice skating and painting to softball and volleyball, the girls stay active and inspired—always cheered on by their two tabby cats, Chita and Chimon. 🐾

Whether camping at Cedar Hill State Park, dining at Ichigoh, Rex’s, or Lavendou, or traveling to Paris and Mexico City, this globally minded family embraces life with curiosity and connection. What they love most about University Park? The perfect blend of excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a true sense of community. 💛