2023 SOTD

DESOTO AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON FEATURES DESOTO ISD
Posted on 05/25/2023
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The DeSoto Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the organization’s annual luncheon featuring the DeSoto Independent School District and providing an opportunity for district leadership to update the community on The State of the District.  As DeSoto ISD continues to refine the Triple-A Experience focusing on Academics, Arts, and Athletics, this annual luncheon provides a unique opportunity to display student and program excellence to business and community leaders who do not have the day to day visibility to their growth and progress. 

A full recording of the presentation can be found on the district YouTube channel (click here), and a copy of the printed program can be found here. 

Luncheon sponsors included:

  • the City of DeSoto,

  • DeSoto Development Corporation, 

  • Methodist Charlton, 

  • Walmart Distribution Center 6938, 

  • Bank of DeSoto, 

  • Dallas Area Patrol and Protection Services (DAPPS), 

  • Five Points Nursing and Rehabilitation of DeSoto, 

  • IFS Drug Testing Facility, 

  • and Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson.  

Patrons included elected officials from the cities of DeSoto and Glenn Heights, as well as past and present members of the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees, and many other business and community leaders.

DeSoto ISD Career and Technical Education as well as Fine Arts programs were able to showcase their excellence throughout the luncheon.  Patrons entered the DeSoto Civic Center Bluebonnet Rooms to the melodic sounds of the DeSoto High School Jazz Band playing classics as well as contemporary music.  Arriving at their designated tables, patrons were greeted with beautifully crafted live floral centerpieces designed and created by the DHS floral design students.  Also featured on the tables were works of visual arts created by art students throughout all district campuses.  The tables were pre-set with salad and drinks by the DHS hospitality and culinary arts students, followed by a buffet entrée and dessert served by the culinary arts students.  These students continued to attend to the needs of the tables, refilling drinks and bussing away emptied plates, through the course of the luncheon.  

The official program began with the presentation of the DHS Class of 2023 Valedictorian and Salutatorian, Patrick Williams Jr. and Anay Landeros, who served as the masters of ceremonies for the luncheon.  The DHS JROTC presented colors for the pledges, then DHS award winning choir student Arieanna Williams treated the audience to a powerful rendition of the National Anthem.  Sharing her personal perspective by video, DHS Senior Breana Looney, a DeSoto ISD student since kindergarten, discussed how the Triple-A experience influenced and improved her opportunities for future success. 

Superintendent Usamah Rodgers was the featured speaker for the luncheon.  With the assistance of a series of videos and graphics created and curated by the DeSoto ISD Communications Department led by Chief Communications Officer Tiffanie Blackmon-Jones, Dr. Rodgers guided patrons through the organization of the district and how the Triple A experience is being moved, monitored, and measured to achieve the desired board and community goals.  

See event photos here.

DeSoto ISD is continuing to drive forward the Triple A experience and more.  For ongoing updates and information, stay connected through the district website at www.desotoisd.org