Horizon 2025 - Flipbook - Page 49
Kenny DeCay Jr. (Class of 2022): Aerospace
Engineering Student at Texas A&M
Graciela C. Custer (Class of 2013) Built a Creative
Career in Digital Marketing
Kenny DeCay Jr. is majoring in
Aerospace Engineering at Texas
A&M University. He has held two
internships at Los Alamos National
Laboratory, contributing to research
in computational fluid dynamics
and simulation verification, and he
also holds a patent for a sanitizing
apparatus designed for grocery store
conveyor belts.
Graciela C. Custer works in digital
marketing, using creativity to write
and pitch ideas that connect with
audiences. A graduate of Abilene
Christian University, she earned a
degree in Global Studies.
“My experiences at Shelton prepared me to attend the
largest college in Texas and thrive there.”
Nathan England (Class of 2005):
Commercial Real Estate Agent
Nathan England, a Shelton alumnus
from the Class of 2005, is a commercial
real estate agent with Wynmark
Commercial Real Estate Group. He
recently returned to Shelton as the
“Charge for the Day” speaker at the
23rd Annual Shelton Ethics Symposium,
Shaping Your Future with Integrity.
“Guard your reputation with your life,” England told students.
“Reflect on your values and what matters to you most. Do
what you say, underpromise and overdeliver. Be true to your
values even when it’s inconvenient.”
Custer credits Shelton with teaching
her valuable organizational skills that
still serve her today. “Shelton helped prepare me by teaching
me to stay organized — using binders was especially
helpful.”
Ethan Armour (Class of 2019) Is a Personal Trainer
and Track Coach at Hendrix College
Ethan Armour has turned his love of
athletics into a career as a personal
trainer and track coach at Hendrix
College in Arkansas. A former college
athlete, Armour played football and
competed in track and field at Hendrix,
where he qualified for nationals in
the decathlon. He earned a degree in
Biology and continues to compete as a
decathlete while helping others reach
their athletic goals.
“Shelton prepared me for college and life after by helping
me learn how I learn best. The teachers helped me discover
study methods that work for me, which allowed me to
continue succeeding after graduation.”
Paul Patterson (Class of 2010):
Certified Arborist and Urban Forester
Paul Patterson spoke to Shelton
teachers and staff at the Aug. 7, 2025,
All-Staff In-Service meeting.
After graduating from Shelton,
Patterson attended Stephen F.
Austin State University, where he
earned several scholarships in Urban
Forestry and Arboriculture. In 2016, he
graduated with a Bachelor of Science
in Urban Forestry and a minor in Business. Patterson is now
a certified arborist and urban forester with Bartlett Tree
Experts in Dallas.
Patterson credited Shelton’s teachers with giving him the
tools and confidence to succeed: “Before my six years at
Shelton, I truly didn’t believe college was an opportunity
for me. But by my senior year, I knew I could graduate from
college.”
Patterson closed with a heartfelt message to Shelton’s
faculty and staff: “You may not always see the impact of
what you give, but I stand here today as living proof that
what you pour into us lasts a lifetime. What you do truly can
and does change lives.”
Maggie Thomas (Class of 2013) Is Co-Founder
of Parachute Studio
Maggie Thomas is the co-founder of
Parachute Studio, where she transforms
brand visions into compelling narratives
through creative design. With expertise
in creative direction across multiple
industries, she has played a pivotal
role in developing high-impact visual
identities and strategic marketing
campaigns for businesses of all sizes.
A graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South, Thomas
earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. She further honed
her design expertise at Southern Methodist University.
“Shelton gave me the tools to advocate for myself, lean into
my strengths and approach challenges with resilience. Those
skills have been invaluable in both higher education and
entrepreneurship.”
SHELTON SCHOOL
THE HORIZON
NOVEMBER 2025
47
