Originally delivered on 9/29/2025 8:03 am

SUBJECT: PTSA News | September 29, 2025

BTWHSPVA PTSA
September 29, 2025
MESSAGE FROM 2025-26 PTSA PRESIDENT LEAH MORA
Art, Culture, Celebration – Coming Soon!

The air is buzzing with anticipation as we gear up for the Sounds and Voices Fall Festival! Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with dazzling performances, rich culture, and joyful celebration—all brought to life by the incredible talent at BTWHSPVA.

The Class of 2027 has been working hard to present a lineup of exciting events designed to entertain, inspire, and bring our community together. From creative showcases to interactive experiences—the karaoke contest, for one! There’s something for everyone—so come out and show your support!

Don’t forget! Tomorrow is PTSA Spirit Night at Chicken Guy!—grab a bite and help raise funds for our school! And mark your calendars for our first Lunch Talk! with Principal Williams at 12:30 PM, followed by the October PTSA Meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM in The Commons. We’ll be sharing updates, celebrating progress, and planning what’s next.

Let’s make this season one to remember!

With gratitude,

Leah

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SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT

Chevondolyn Williams, a proud alum of the Music Cluster at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, is honored to return to her roots as this year’s 4th Vice President of Membership for the PTSA. This journey from student to parent leader is a full-circle moment, driven by her deep love for the school’s mission and the creative energy that defines its community. Her service on the PTSA Board reflects a commitment to servant leadership and a heartfelt dedication to the vibrant spirit of BTWHSPVA—a place that once nurtured her own artistry and now inspires her to give back.

With over 22 years of experience as an educator, Chevondolyn is a passionate advocate for literacy and youth development. 

Her professional life is a testament to her commitment—she has spent decades nurturing young minds, while also creating spaces for artistic and personal growth. Outside of work, she finds joy in reading, cooking, planning celebrations, and relaxing with classic episodes of I Love Lucy, which reflect her appreciation for timeless storytelling and humor.

Her connection to Booker T. runs even deeper through her daughter, Bella, a junior in the music conservatory. Bella’s involvement in Choir, MIDI II, and the last two all-school musicals has allowed Chevondolyn to witness firsthand, as a parent, the transformative impact of arts education. She actively supports the school’s artistic community as the Choir Parent Liaison in the Music Guild, where she helps coordinate events and foster collaboration among families. Last year, she also served as the PTSA Reflections Chair, guiding students as they expressed their creativity through visual and performing arts submissions.

Chevondolyn’s dedication to Booker T. is rooted in her belief that the arts are not just a form of expression—they’re a pathway to confidence, connection, and lifelong learning. She sees the school as a place where beauty, talent, and purpose converge, and she’s proud to help strengthen that legacy. As the school song beautifully reminds us, “beauty beckons here for all,” and Chevondolyn is deeply committed to ensuring that every student feels seen, supported, and inspired.

Having Chevondolyn on our PTSA Board this year has been a true gift to the Booker T. community. Her thoughtful leadership and unwavering commitment have helped expand our programs and create meaningful opportunities for our students to thrive—both artistically and academically. Chevondolyn, your passion and vision continue to inspire us all. Thank you for the heart you bring to everything you do!

To become a donor or for general questions, donate by clicking the link below or contact us at btwhspvaptsa@gmail.com.

MEMBERSHIP + CLASS DUES

RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP | BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! Together, we can make every child’s potential a reality—but we need more believers like YOU. Click here to see the benefits of becoming a member.

*As we prepare for the monumental 50th year anniversary of the ARTS MAGNET celebration next year, we are seeking to grow our Alumni & Community Membership!  Spread the word and show your class spirit!

CLASS DUES | Every year, the PTSA collaborates with the student class councils to create memorable senior year experiences. Your contributions directly support these cherished events, ensuring your student has the chance to enjoy the senior traditions. Click on your grade below to pay your class dues.

*Includes student membership! Do NOT purchase a student membership in addition to class dues.

SENIORS 2026 ANNUAL DUES 30/30/30 CAMPAIGN

NEW! | We are excited to announce a new Annual Dues Campaign for those who have not yet paid class dues for the Class of 2026! 

This campaign allows parents to split the cost of senior year annual class dues into 3 monthly payments: $30 each month, October - December 2025.

PARTICIPATE NOW! | Want to take advantage of this opportunity? Submit your order by completing the Senior 2026 Annual Dues 30/30/30 Campaign form.

QUESTIONS? | Contact Senior Class Chair, Kathy Ruff: btwhspva2026@gmail.com 

SOUNDS AND VOICES FESTIVAL

Get ready for an unforgettable evening! What was once the Hispanic Heritage Festival has been reimagined into a vibrant, one-night celebration: Sounds and Voices—The Celebration of a People. This dynamic event will showcase creative works from every conservatory, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry and artistic brilliance of our BTW community.

The Class of 2027 will bring the energy to The Commons with a festive lineup including a karaoke contest, silent auction, decorated pumpkin contest, delicious desserts, an elote stand, food trucks, taco stand, aguas frescas, and plenty more surprises!

Mark your calendar and join us for this exciting new tradition. You won’t want to miss the music, the flavors, and the spirit of celebration that make Booker T. shine!

Calling All Performers!

Join the Sounds and Voices Fall Festival Karaoke Competition!

WE WANT TO PROMOTE YOU!

The Karaoke Competition at the Sounds and Voices Fall Festival is open to all BTWHSPVA students in grades 9–12 for the 2025–2026 school year—from every conservatory and every experience level. Whether you're a seasoned vocalist or just love to sing for fun, we want YOU!

To celebrate your talent, each performer will be featured on a custom promotional flyer shared across campus and PTSA social media. It’s your time to shine—and we want the whole community to know it!

To participate, please complete the entry form by October 16, 2025. You’ll need to submit:

  • Three song choices (title and artist)—only one will be selected for performance

  • A student headshot to help us promote each performer

Submissions will be reviewed by PTSA leadership to ensure songs and photos are appropriate for the event. During the competition, audience members will vote for their favorite performances, and the students with the most votes will win exciting prizes!

All participants must check in between 3:30–4:30 PM on October 17th in The Commons to confirm their time slot. Don’t miss your chance to shine—this is your moment to sing your heart out and be celebrated!

Questions? Contact Jennifer Wheeler Hall | BTW PTSA 3rd VP/Comms or Adam Mora | Class of 2027 Chair.

LET THE BATTLE OF THE VOICES BEGIN!

During the Sounds and Voices Fall Festival Karaoke Competition, you get to decide who takes home the crown! Audience members will vote for their favorite performances, and the students with the most votes will win awesome prizes—so bring the energy and cheer loud!

Want to boost your favorite performer’s chances? Grab 5 votes for just $5—and yes, you can buy as many 5-packs as you want! Additional voting cards will also be available for purchase during the event, so you can keep the support going all night long. The competition is going to be fierce, and every vote counts, so stock up and support your star!

Competition kicks off at 5:00 PM on October 17th in The Commons. Be sure to check in beforehand to pick up your voting cards and instructions.

Get ready for an unforgettable night of talent, fun, and friendly rivalry. Let’s hear those Sounds and Voices!

Pre-purchase your voting cards now!

DECORATED PUMPKIN CONTEST

DATE | Friday, October 17, 2025

LOCATION | The Commons

TIME | 5 - 8:30pm

CONTEST RULES & INFORMATION

ENTRY FORM

WE NEED AUCTION ITEMS!

Please let us know if you have anything fun to donate to the auction by completing this form.

Auction questions? Contact the Class of 2027 Chair, Adam Mora.

Auction Donations Letter of Solicitation

Donations are tax deductible to the fair market value of the donated item.  


Sneak Peek: 

  • A watch
  • A pair of Jan Barboglio Bronze Earrings
  • A Kendra Scott Jewelry Donation 
  • TWO $50 Mi Cocina gift cards
  • A serenity spa package
  • A Ballet Master Class with former New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Ballet (formerly Pennsylvania Ballet), Principal Dancer Riolama Lorenzo 
  • A Visual Art Submission from BTWHASPVA Art Instructor, Mr. Cruz
  • TWO tickets to Four Weekend Comedy Club + a dinner gift certificate
  • Gift Baskets
  • A FOUR-person Tennis Set

The PTSA is actively seeking partnerships with food trucks and mobile food vendors to participate in upcoming events at Booker T. Washington HSPVA. We’re specifically looking for vendors who do not require a deposit or minimum purchase commitment, making it easier for our school community to host inclusive and exciting experiences.

We’re thrilled to already have Naros Mexican and Sosa's Barbeque on board—but we’re looking to add more variety! If you have a connection to a food truck—or know of a vendor with great food and flair—we’d love to hear from you. Whether it's tacos, BBQ, vegan bites, sweet treats, or something totally unique, we’re open to a range of cuisines and concepts that reflect the creativity of our campus.

Your recommendation could help us bring delicious options to our events while supporting local businesses and creating memorable moments for our scholar artists and families.

LUNCH TALK!
LUNCH TAK! WITH PRINCIPAL WILLIAMS

Join us for a special midday gathering with Principal Williams on Tuesday, October 7, as he shares updates, insights, and his vision for the future of BTWHSPVA. This is a unique opportunity to connect over lunch, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the school’s direction, student success, and the vibrant arts community that defines Booker T.

Date | Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Time | 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM

Location | Library

All parents, guardians, faculty, and community members are welcome. Whether you're new to the Booker T. family or a longtime supporter, we invite you to be part of this open and inspiring conversation.

Light bites and refreshments will be provided, so please RSVP by Wednesday, October 1st to help us plan accordingly.

REFLECTIONS

Students are invited to unleash their creativity and share their perspectives by submitting an original work of art inspired by the 2025-26 Reflections theme "I Belong." You can express yourself in various categories, including Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your talent; submission will be in November. (Exact date TBA.)

Start preparing your masterpiece by reading the Eligibility Rules, Guidelines, & FAQs to ensure your artistic vision shines!

All entries are due November 6, 2025.

2027-28 REFLECTIONS THEME CONTEST

Each year, National PTA hosts an annual Reflections Theme Search Contest to select one student theme to inspire student artists in Reflections. A team of National PTA volunteers selects one winning student's theme based on originality and creativity. The winning student is awarded $100 and national recognition!

Reflections Theme Search Entry Form | Deadline to submit themes is November 5, 2025

BTWHSPVA SPIRIT
BTWHSPVA SPIRIT NIGHT

Our sponsors at Chicken Guy! have gone above and beyond! In addition to providing all of the food for the Guys and Dolls cast party, they are hosting a SPIRIT NIGHT benefiting Booker T.!

TOMORROW! | Tuesday, Sept. 30th

TIME | 6pm

LOCATION | Preston Hollow Village (7859 Walnut Hill Lane)

Mark your calendar and visit Chicken Guy! to benefit BTWHSPVA!

SCHOOL PHOTOS & YEARBOOKS
Underclassmen Photos

Order your school photos at this link using your student ID number. 

Yearbook Orders
50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARTS MAGNET
SPREAD THE WORD!

The 2026–27 school year marks a monumental milestone:

The 50th Anniversary of the Arts Magnet at Booker T. Washington HSPVA!

We’re already laying the groundwork for an unforgettable celebration that honors our school’s legacy, the extraordinary contributions of our scholar-artists, and our cherished place in the heart of the Dallas Arts District.

As part of this exciting journey, we’re building a comprehensive Alumni Directory and Repository to showcase the incredible talent that has emerged from our halls and to foster meaningful connections across generations of Pegasi.

Help us spread the word—share this announcement on your socials and join the movement to bring every Pegasus home for this historic celebration!

Alumni & Community Members |Join the PTSA for just $10 to stay in the loop and gain access to exclusive updates as plans unfold. Let’s make this golden anniversary one to remember!

Send Photos! | Email any fun alumni photos over the past 50 years to our Alumni Chair, Michelle Carter.

Questions or Interest | Contact our Alumni Chair, Michelle Carter or PTSA VP of Community & Programs, Andrea Diggs.


SUSTAINING SPONSORS

The contribution of the PTSA's Sustaining Sponsors help cultivate the future of the performing and visual arts and enables the PTSA to provide school-wide productions, programs, resources and event support. Thank you to our 2025-26 sponsors.

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A SUSTAINING SPONSOR TODAY!
UP NEXT

2025-2026 Approved D.I.S.D. Calendar

  • September 30 (AS) Chicken Guy! Spirit Night
  • October 7 (AS) Lunch Talk!
  • October 7 (AS) PTSA Meeting
  • October 9-13 (AS) Fall Break | No School
  • October 17 (AS) Sounds and Voices Fall Festival
  • November 4 (AS) Professional Development | No School
  • November 11 (AS) Lunch with the Principal

The calendar is subject to change. Please check the school calendar to confirm.

Codes: (AS) All School, (A) Academic Conservatory, (D) Dance Conservatory, (J) Juniors, (M) Music Conservatory, (PS) Prospective Students, (RS) Rising Students, (T) Theatre Conservatory, (UPUpperclassman, (UN) Underclassman, (VA) Visual Arts Conservatory, (S) Seniors, (SO) Sophomores, (F) Faculty, (FR) Freshmen

2025-26 BTWHSPVA PTSA EXECUTIVE BOARD CONTACTS

Feel free to reach out to anyone on the PTSA anytime, either by sending an email to one of our Board members, or by completing a PTSA inquiry form.

BTW PTSA RESOURCES
BTWHSPVA INFORMATION

PEGASUS CENTRAL | This is BTWHSPVA's new website-based newsletter that is intended to be a one-stop-shop for all the links that parents need every day. Check it out and bookmark it! 

BOOKER BULLETIN | This is a one-page synopsis with details and links to what is happening "This Week" (each week) on campus.

Download the membership toolkit app for easy access to the PTSA and Guilds.

Click: PTSA | DANCEMUSIC | THEATREVISUAL ARTS

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