Horizon 2025 - Flipbook - Page 86
CLASS OF 2025 PROFILES CONTINUED
in Elementary Education with a double minor in Special
Education and Deaf Studies.
I will attend Texas Tech or the University of North Texas. I’m
considering majoring in Psychology and possibly pursuing a
career in Music Therapy.
James David Marlett-Vasilas, Shelton Class of 2025
Started at Shelton: Pre-Primary in
August 2012
Kate Williams, Shelton Class of 2025
Clubs: Vocal Charge, Drumline, Theatre
(cast member for four plays and four
musicals), Band, History Club, Film
Club
Clubs and activities: National Honor
Society, Teen Leadership Council
member at the Dallas Arboretum,
Crafters Club, Crochet Club, ASL Club,
Performing Arts Club, Theatre
Started at Shelton: In fifth grade
Learning difference: Dyslexia
What was your favorite experience at Shelton?
Working with other students on projects in Theatre,
Drumline and Engineering Design. When everyone is working
as a team toward a common goal, the result is always better
than one person doing it alone.
What was your favorite class?
English exposed me to great literature such as “Animal
Farm,” “The Great Gatsby,” “Frankenstein” and works by
Shakespeare. Mrs. Whitfield is always available for her
students and has a way of interacting with them that is
welcoming.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
If you don’t ask, if you don’t raise your hand, if you don’t step
forward, the answer is always no.
How has Shelton impacted your life?
When you arrive at school, it’s a good feeling. You feel
welcome. I enjoy my time at school — it’s not a burden or a
chore.
What are your college and career aspirations?
I attend Belmont University in Nashville to study History.
After college, I may pursue law school.
Started at Shelton: In Early Childhood
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
My history teacher junior year, Mr. Clark, told me to trust
myself. His encouragement to do so is something I will
always appreciate.
How has Shelton impacted your life?
Shelton has made me more comfortable advocating for
myself as someone with a learning difference.
Ethan Gulden, Shelton Class of 2025
Learning differences: ADHD and slow processing
What was your favorite experience at Shelton?
Some of my favorites were with drumline at football games.
A particularly memorable experience was performing at
AT&T Stadium for the YTexas Summit with the drumline and
band.
How has Shelton impacted your life?
Shelton has taught me how to be a good self-advocate. It
has helped me become who I am today
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and to communicate with your
teachers. And consider joining Band and Drumline — they
are a blast.
What are your college and career aspirations?
THE HORIZON
Who were your favorite teachers?
My favorite class was Art I with Ms. Hampton my freshman
year. Through this class I discovered that I want to pursue
art as a career. Ms. Dockweiler and Ms. Hampton reignited
my love for art and I am grateful for the chance to learn from
them and develop my skills.
What are your college and career aspirations?
I attend Belmont University in Nashville and major in both
Studio Art and Technical Theater.
Clubs and activities: Saxophone and
clarinet in high school band and Honor
Band, Drumline, Props Crew and
Orchestra Pit for “Footloose,” keyboard
in the student-run rock band Codicil,
Chess Club
NOVEMBER 2025
What was your favorite experience at Shelton?
Attending the Independent Schools Association of the
Southwest (ISAS) Arts Festival was my favorite experience
at Shelton. Getting to surround myself with artists and
showcase our work with other students is something I will
never forget.
Would you recommend Shelton?
Yes. I would recommend Shelton to creative, imaginative and
hardworking students with learning differences.
Zachary Cole, Shelton Class of 2025
84
Learning differences: Dyslexia,
dysgraphia and dyscalculia
SHELTON SCHOOL
Started at Shelton: In ninth grade
Clubs: Student Council, National Honor
Society, Performing Arts Club, Coffee
House, Investment Club, American Sign
Language Club, Creative Writing
Learning difference: Auditory and
sensory processing disorder
What was your favorite class/teacher?
It feels impossible to choose a favorite class and teacher
because I have really loved all of my teachers. Ms. Van Den
Handel holds a special place for me because she pushed me
and helped me grow in English and writing.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
The best advice I received at Shelton was from Mr. Ladd.
