Uninsured and ineligible for Medicare (under 65), these individuals have often depleted their personal funds in battling their illnesses and now want hospice care but are unable to pay.

When asked why he gives back to his local community, Randy Bowman credits his mom. Raised in Pleasant Grove by a single mother, Randy witnessed her sacrifices firsthand to support him and his three siblings. His mother’s relentless dedication to keep their family together, despite numerous hardships, made her his hero. Reflecting on her struggles and determination, Randy is driven to honor her legacy by giving back in ways that would have supported her and families like theirs.

Determined to make a meaningful difference, Randy vowed to create a program that would help low-income children and families succeed. He spent years researching the factors contributing to academic success and discovered a crucial insight: the biggest predictor of a child’s academic success is not their gender, skin color or even the school they attend, but rather their socioeconomic status. Randy found that poverty, more than anything else, was the key barrier to educational achievement. His extensive research into urban education and the challenges faced by students led to a critical conclusion: children from low-income families often lack the resources that their more affluent peers take for granted. These resources include necessities like computers, stable housing, nutritious food and a safe environment for studying. This realization laid the foundation for AT LAST!, Randy’s groundbreaking program.

AT LAST! is a transformative initiative designed to improve students’ performance during the seven hours they attend school each day, by focusing on the seventeen hours they are not in school. The program aims to provide low-income children with the same educational resources and tools that other children enjoy, thereby leveling the playing field. Students admitted into AT LAST! are referred to as “Scholars-In-Residence.” A Scholar-In-Residence attends the school chosen by their parent or guardian but spends their evenings and nights at an AT LAST! residence during the school week before returning home for the weekend. Randy sees the boarding experience as a critical intervention to shield kids from chaotic and traumatic forces that can derail their academic progress. This structure also provides their parents with greater flexibility to work or pursue new skills. By offering a stable and supportive environment, AT LAST! aims to provide scholars with the foundation they need to thrive academically and personally. Randy’s program is not just about education; it’s about giving children a chance to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future. Through AT LAST!, Randy is making a lasting impact, ensuring that every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background, has the resources and support they need to succeed.

Arnold (Arnie) Holtberg’s commitment to fostering the growth of young individuals into strong, compassionate and contributing adults originates from a childhood lesson to “love his neighbor.” While this upbringing instilled a dedication to service, Arnie has established his own legacy through his commitment to education.

Arnie has held key roles in numerous U.S. private and public schools, including Social Studies Teacher, Dean of Students and Headmaster. He also served as principal of the Hong Kong International School, overseeing a diverse student body representing approximately 40 nations. From 1993 to 2014, he was the Head of School at St. Mark’s School of Texas, becoming the longest-tenured head in the school’s history. During his two-decade tenure, more than 1,600 young men graduated from St. Mark’s. Arnie is credited with transforming the campus by significantly increasing enrollment and admission demand, enhancing academic and extracurricular programs and recruiting exceptional faculty, staff and administration.

Looking ahead, he aims to “inspire our youth to lead us to higher moral ground and create an environment where all people experience unconditional respect.” Since retiring in 2014, Arnie has served as a board trustee for several not-for-profit organizations focused on improving education. He currently serves as Chair of the Advisory Council at The Compass School of Texas and he recently published his first novel, “Game On!: One Boy’s Odyssey,” which explores the challenges of a young boy navigating middle school and imparts valuable lessons to today’s youth. Even outside the classroom, Arnie continues to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders to commit to finding their moral compass and to lead with integrity.

Arnie is a graduate of Princeton University and holds a Master of Arts in Religion, specializing in Pastoral Care, Counseling and Theology, from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He is also a proud member of the 1970 College Baseball All-American Team as a pitcher for Princeton.

Brad Hunstable faced a profound and life-altering tragedy when his 12-year-old son, Hayden, took his own life on April 17, 2020. This heartbreaking loss gave Brad a renewed purpose, driving him to create a meaningful legacy for his son through mental health advocacy.

Hayden was a beloved son, brother, grandson and friend. Known for his leadership in his sixth-grade classroom, his passion for football and his love of dancing, Hayden brought joy to those around him. He enjoyed being outdoors, loved fishing and had an infectious smile. His two sisters lovingly called him “bubba,” his mother called him “love” and nearly everyone called him a friend.

The world lost Hayden to suicide during the mandated stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic, just four days before his 13th birthday. Prior to quarantine, Hayden had not struggled with depression nor had a history of mental health challenges. He was a healthy and happy kid who was unprepared for the social isolation, which took a toll on his mental health.

In the wake of Hayden’s death, Brad posted a heartfelt video online about the importance of open mental health and suicide conversations with children. The video went viral, garnering more than 120 million views. Brad’s message about the significant role the pandemic played in his son’s death and the importance of honest conversations resonated globally, highlighting the need for platforms to discuss mental health openly. Inspired by the video’s impact and the countless comments he received; Brad established Hayden’s Corner, a nonprofit dedicated to educating parents and kids about mental health. Hayden’s Corner focuses on two main initiatives: partnering with public and private organizations to pass legislation mandating resilience classes as part of the core curriculum for K-12 schools nationwide and creating a public service announcement (PSA) campaign aimed at educating kids and parents on responsible gaming and oversight from parents and gaming corporations. Through Hayden’s Corner, the Hunstable family produced “Almost Thirteen,” a short film with the mission to raise awareness to prevent youth suicide. They also launched a PSA campaign with the slogan #ConversationsMatter.

Hayden’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, community and the enduring hope of making a difference in the world. While it is impossible for us to quantify how many children have been helped or saved because of Brad’s work, Hayden knows.

In 1979, the newly constructed elementary school in Plano, Texas, was proudly named James L. Thomas Elementary, marking a significant milestone as the first public school in Plano to bear the name of an African American.

Following in his grandfather’s footsteps and continuing the Thomas legacy, Dudie has devoted his life to serving those in Plano. Over the course of 48 years working with Plano ISD (PISD), Dudie’s roles and responsibilities have evolved, yet his impact has remained steadfast. When asked what inspired him to stay and serve at PISD for so long, he credits the children and families, saying, “I enjoy working with our children and families and having the opportunity to witness their growth.” Currently, Dudie serves in multiple roles within PISD, with his most cherished being the McKinney Vento liaison position. In this role, he identifies homeless families, offering them vital services and connecting them with agencies to support both students and their families in navigating the challenges they face.

In addition to his work at PISD, Dudie serves as a board member for several not-for-profit organizations which help him stay up-to-date with local available resources and assistance so that he can better connect Plano families. He is especially proud of a partnership he helped facilitate between Plano ISD, St. Andrew’s Methodist Church and the North Texas Food Bank, that has provided shelf-stable food to Plano elementary students and their families for the past 14 years. When asked about his passion for serving others, Dudie is quick to admit, “I don’t have a passion to help others. I have a passion to do the right thing even when no one is watching and helping others is always the right thing.” The Thomas family has built a generational legacy through their commitment to do the right thing and serve the Plano community.

Pam Altizer and Pam Southern are two dynamic residents of Presbyterian Village North (PVN) who have played pivotal roles in the creation of the PVN Creative Art Center, a vibrant hub for artistic expression within the community.

Pam Altizer and her husband moved to PVN in 2017 after a distinguished 30-year career in management consulting, specializing in strategic planning and operations improvement. With experience at the Federal Reserve, Texas Instruments and Accenture Consulting, she has always been passionate about helping organizations and people transform and manage change. Since retiring in 2015, she resurrected her interest in oil painting and continues to this day. Her leadership at PVN is well-recognized with her involvement in several committees and contributions to resident communications. Pam has remained active in various community roles, including serving on the boards of organizations like Attitudes & Attire, Broadway Dallas and the PVN Foundation.

Pam Southern moved to PVN in 2021, bringing with her a rich background in art and design. Born in Iraan, Texas, and raised in Eunice, New Mexico, her early life was steeped in creativity. Her professional journey includes a successful career in interior design and space planning, where she ran her own company specializing in remodeling and construction. After remarrying in the early 1990s, Pam and her husband Paul, built a home in the State-Thomas Historic District of Dallas, which they transformed into a thriving bed and breakfast, hosting guests from around the world.

Her artistic passions, particularly in sculpting and painting, have been lifelong. Her creative spirit shines through in her ability to find art in everyday objects, from cloud patterns to organic materials. Since moving to PVN, Pam has been a driving force behind the PVN Creative Art Center, collaborating closely with Pam Altizer to establish a space that nurtures all forms of artistic expression and resident engagement. Their combined commitment to fostering a creative community has led to the organization of various exhibits and classes, including the successful Open House that attracted more than 130 residents and guests. Their dedication to the Creative Art Center reflects their belief in the importance of self-expression, especially in promoting mental and physical well-being among PVN residents.

Together, the Pams have created a lasting legacy at PVN, establishing the Creative Art Center as a cornerstone of the community. Their collaboration has not only provided a space for residents to explore and share their talents but has also enriched the cultural fabric of PVN. Their efforts continue to inspire others to engage in creative pursuits, ensuring that the arts remain a vital part of life at PVN.

Over the past two decades, the landscape for survivors of sexual violence in Dallas and North Texas has transformed dramatically. Prior to 2010, Parkland Hospital was the only facility out of 47 providing or performing rape kits in Dallas County; Dallas was also the largest city, much less county, in the country lacking a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program. SANE Programs increase conviction rates by more than 95% while also providing trauma survivors with informed care, specialized forensic evidence collection and specialized training in meeting the needs of victims in crisis. Today, because of the relentless efforts of Courtney, survivors have multiple options when seeking access to this critical medical exam including the W.W. Caruth Center for SAFE Healing at Texas Health Presbyterian Dallas and Courtney’s SAFE Place in Plano. Whereas survivors were previously left waiting more than 12-24 hours for a rape kit that was performed by residents lacking the necessary training, now they can choose where to go for an exam and they are promptly attended to by a qualified SANE and trained victim advocate; having SANEs perform these exams is the best predictor of successful prosecution in these cases, even more so than the presence of DNA or other physical evidence. The proliferation of SANE Programs across North Texas over the past 14 years can largely be credited to the dedication of Courtney.

Courtney has been a devoted advocate for sexual violence survivors for nearly 25 years. Inspired by her mother’s work to make the world a better place, she has focused her life on improving care and options for survivors. Among many board positions, Courtney chairs The Dallas County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) SANE Oversight Committee and serves as President of the Board for The Turning Point Rape Crisis Center, where she also played a pivotal role in establishing Courtney’s SAFE Place, the only Forensic Nursing Clinic in North Texas.

A transformative moment in her life was her first press conference at Texas Health Dallas; standing among Dallas’ Chief of Police and District Attorney, she recalls how the room reverberated when the hospital president told predators in Dallas to watch out, declaring that they were coming for them. This moment marked a turning point, not only in serving survivors but also in providing a platform to discuss sexual violence in a way that had never been done before in Dallas. Looking ahead, Courtney dreams of establishing an Advocacy Center or Family Justice Center for the community. She envisions a facility housing several of Dallas’ most heroic non-profits under one roof, available to serve families, including adults and children. Such a facility has the potential to make an incredible impact on the community while supporting the criminal justice system.

Courtney’s commitment to advocating for survivors of sexual violence has been central in the progress Dallas has achieved in providing better support and care for survivors. From her leadership roles to the establishment of essential services, her work continues to inspire and drive change, making Dallas a safer and more supportive city for survivors of sexual violence.

While many agree that kindness matters, few have been as intentional and devoted to spreading it as Wendy Van Bemmel. Since October 4, 2017, Wendy has committed to performing at least one act of kindness every day, believing that simple, thoughtful gestures can create a ripple effect that leads to a better world. To date, she has completed more than 2,500 acts of kindness, documenting each on her Instagram page to hold herself accountable and to inspire others to be kinder. Wendy has not missed a single day since making this commitment and has even inspired others to join her in her crusade. Most recipients of her kindness remain unaware of her pledge or the tragic event that motivated it.

The catalyst for Wendy’s daily commitment was the Las Vegas Route 91 Harvest Music Festival mass shooting on October 1, 2017, which left 60 dead and more than 850 injured. Deeply affected and feeling helpless, Wendy struggled to sleep for days. She ultimately decided that the only way she could make a difference was by committing to an intentional and concentrated effort to do good. She pledged to perform at least one kind deed per day for the rest of her life. Wendy wishes more people understood that making the world a better place can be as simple as smiling at someone, picking up litter or holding a door open. She is continually amazed by how far these small acts can travel and has experienced several full-circle moments since beginning her journey.

When Wendy isn’t spreading kindness, she is a passionate and dedicated team member at Forefront Living (FL), where she has worked for 4.5 years. Initially drawn to the organization by her lifelong love for and desire to work with seniors, Wendy found a deep connection with the hospice mission. Her journey at FL began shortly before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst that challenge, she showcased her creativity and compassion by organizing a virtual experience for a hospice patient with ALS, encouraging the patient to take up painting during the final months of her life. The artwork the patient left behind continues to inspire Wendy, who keeps the patient’s photo and some of her paintings in her office.

Wendy uses her role at FL to challenge common perceptions about seniors, highlighting their vibrancy, wisdom and joy. She is also dedicated to educating the public about the beauty of hospice care, showing that people can live fully even in their final moments. Wendy’s work allows her to witness and capture important moments, providing tangible reminders for those involved—whether it’s printing a photo, creating a custom ornament, sharing a news story or making a personalized video for families to cherish privately.

As she highlights seniors, creates memorable moments for end-of-life patients and performs daily acts of kindness for strangers, Wendy Van Bemmel is changing the world through her service to others, showing that kindness and love can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances—even from hate.

Patrick Walsh has an impressive family as well as record of service and leadership. He is married to Andy Kaye Walsh, a 2017 EMM honoree who continues to serve the community. During his naval career, Patrick served as Vice Chief of Naval Operations and Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. With 77 combat missions, 4,700 flight hours, 19 years of command experience and extensive crisis management expertise, including humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, the former White House Fellow and Slot Pilot for the Blue Angels retired as a 4-star Admiral. But when asked about his achievements, he is more excited to talk about the students at Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep.

Patrick is President of Cristo Rey Dallas, a Catholic preparatory school serving low-income households, where 92% of students will be first-generation college attendees. He credits Cristo Rey’s 100+ corporate partners for the success of its students; the school’s work program is a fee-for-service model allowing students to work in a hands-on professional setting with students’ earnings paying for 60% of their education costs. This unique opportunity gives them the added benefit of graduating with a resume in addition to a transcript.

Patrick’s dedication to education stems from the ripple effect education had on his own life. He recalls the impact of being able to attend Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, made affordable by incentives encouraging faculty members to enroll their family members in the school. He shared, “Because my father was a member of the faculty, I attended Jesuit and was able to compete for an appointment to the United States Naval Academy (USNA). Because I graduated from USNA, I was able to attend flight school, have a career in naval aviation and receive three graduate degrees. All the doors opened by education, all the hopes that became dreams and all the dreams that became realizable, were paid for by people I had never met.”

Recognizing the transformative power of education, Patrick continues to advance Cristo Rey’s mission to help empower students from underserved backgrounds to achieve academic success and pursue their dreams. His commitment to serving others throughout his life, both at the national level in the armed forces and today in the Pleasant Grove community, exemplifies his dedication to making each moment matter for those in need.

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Cathy & William W. Davis

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Annette Simmons