Dara McFarlane (DCC ’07-09) and Brandi Kilby (DCC 2009) will be representing the LA Lakers basketball team this season!  It will be Dara’s second year as a Laker Girl.  She had this to say about her rookie, championship season:

    This past year I was blessed to be a part of yet another prestigious cheerleading squad, when I was selected as one of the 2009-2010 Los Angeles Laker Girls! If that wasn't exciting enough, I recently ended my first year with the squad making history when the Lakers beat the Boston Celtics and continued their reign as the back to back world champions! Now I await my championship ring!  Although that was a year I will never forget, it did not surpass my first time dawning that blue and white uniform and the classic white boots at Texas Stadium. There's just something about the chills that run through your body, the permanent smile across your face, and the adrenaline rush that can never truly be described, but must be felt when you take your initial step onto that field.  I love you wonderful women and hope that we continue to share in each others' lives, whether good or bad. It is nice to know that I still have a support group back in good old Texas!

This will be Brandi’s rookie season as a Laker Girl.  We wish them both the best!   Unless they’re playing the Mavs!

Allison Hopkins (DCC 1988) recently received

her PhD in Human Services.  She’s opening a

counseling practice in Highland Park Village. 

Look for her ‘Business Bio’ in an upcoming

edition of the newsletter.

*** Kristin Ditto (DCC ’98-00) has recently been named the Texas Stars Ice Girls Coordinator!  She will manage the Austin affiliate (AHL) team of the Dallas Stars (NHL) while fellow DCC alumni, Wendy Clayton Dutton (DCC ’91-93) is in charge of the Dallas Stars Ice Girls.  This past season was the inaugural season for the Texas Stars and the development of the ice girls was sketchy at best.  Kristin will be re-vamping the squad this season.  Texas Stars hockey team had a great first season and advanced all the way to the Calder Cup Finals, which is the ‘Stanley Cup’ for AHL teams.  

*** More hockey news.... Sarah Gourley Idziak (DCC ’05-10) is the new Choreographer for the Texas Tornado Siren Dancers.  The Texas Tornado is an NAHL hockey team that plays at the Frisco Stars Center.  Hmmm.... wonder if Kristin & Sarah’s teams play each other????

*** Amber Strauser (DCC ’99-01) is currently establishing a scholarship fund at a friend's suggestion of 30 things to do before turning 30.  The Amber Strauser Scholarship is dedicated to helping artists follow his/her passion for dance!  It will be awarded to a dancer who truly plans to make dance a career and not a hobby.  The scholarship provides financial support of $300 for a dancer to attend any summer dance workshop or intensive. Funding provided by Amber Strauser whose dream of dance is her reality!

The scholarship selection process will be handled through the Dallas Dance Council (the same council that awards the Texie Waterman scholarship, which Amber won in 1999).  Dancers will submit a video and other materials for the numerous scholarships being offered.  Amber will study, along with other scholarship holders, to decide who will be awarded. Here's the link to current scholarships: http://www.thedancecouncil.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=752324&module_id=32941

*** On October 16, 2010 Andrea Rogers (DCC ’06-08) will join thousands of others playing a part in the annual Komen Dallas Race for the Cure®. It’s a 5k run/walk event to raise money for breast cancer.

Her goal is to raise at least $500 this year. Please make a donation to help Andrea reach that goal. Online donations are simple, and the donation page is secure. Please go to her fundraising page to make a tax-deductible donation.  If you prefer to write a check, you can mail your donation to:

Andrea Rogers

2337 S. International Pkwy

Dallas, TX 75261

Please make your check payable to: Komen Dallas Race for the Cure and write ‘Andrea Rogers’ in the memo.  

The deadline for donations is November 12, 2010.  By making a donation, you are supporting local breast cancer education, screening, treatment, and outreach along with international research that will someday lead us to a world without breast cancer.