Inside Today: Local real estate data for January by zip code Page 6
BRIGHTEN SOMEONE’S DAY, SEND FLOWERS! Flower & Gift Shop
Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston
10570 NW Frwy ❖ 713-680-2350
Saturday, February 22, 2025 • Vol. 70 • No. 8
ABOUT US 713-371-3600 news@theleadernews.com www.theleadernews.com Facebook/FromTheLeader
L VE is great, but so is a fresh copy of The Leader!
INSIDE.
Project Prom: Helping students shine on their big night By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor For high school seniors, prom night is a milestone event—a time to celebrate achievements, friendships, and the journey ahead. But for many students, the cost of formal wear can be a barrier to attending. That’s where Project Prom steps in, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to attend their prom in style, free of financial worry. This year, Heights High School PTO, in partnership with Communities in Schools, is work-
ing to resurrect Project Prom for Heights, Waltrip, and Northside High Schools. Previously a district-wide initiative supported by Houston ISD, Project Prom was cut, leaving students without this crucial resource. Now, a dedicated group of volunteers is working to fill the gap and make sure no student misses out on this special night due to financial hardship.
A Promise to Bring Back Project Prom
For Tracy Lisewsky, president of Heights High School PTO, bringing back Project Prom was a
personal mission. “I have seen firsthand the work undertaken by our on-campus personnel to fill the gap left by the cancellation of HISD’s Project Prom,” said Lisewsky. “Last year, I worked with our on-campus Wraparound Specialist to ensure several students could attend prom in style. Knowing that our Wraparound Specialist would be cut by the Miles administration, I made a promise to him that I would do my very best to resurSubmitted photo rect Project Prom for 2025.” Ashley Taylor with Communities in Schools sorts donations received for Project Prom. See PROM P. 2
a Chord: SIDEWALK WOES Striking Fun meets TO SMOOTH STROLLS learning at The Future of Music By CHARLIE HARDWICK The Leader News Contributor Oak Forest is home to a burgeoning music school that specializes in all instruments for all ages. University of Houston graduate and Oak Forest resident Drake Eckhart opened the school in 2022 and is driven by a passion for music with a foundation in educational psychology and childhood development. Eckhart enlists a philosophy around making the process of learning an instrument a fun endeavor with a focus on personalized lessons to each individual student. With over 220 students currently enrolled in the school, the future of music is looking bright.
Pet of the Week: Meet Brownie, a pup as sweet as the chocolatey treat
Page 5
Citywide Efficiency Study: Mayor’s Office outlines plans to address waste, productivity
Page 6
MOTOR CROSS INJURY GATEWAYS INTO ORCHESTRA
Photos by Stephanie Shirley
Council District C is implementing community-driven projects designed to improve accessibility and safety in The Heights.
New safety projects aim to protect Heights pedestrians By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor
Movie Review: Local youth critic has mixed thoughts on The Brutalist
Page 8
Call for Entries: Students encouraged to participate in city’s Truck Art Contest
Page 8
More than a year ago, the City of Houston announced a new sidewalk initiative to repair sidewalks which, by ordinance, would ordinarily be the responsibility of homeowners. The program was intended to increase safety and accessibility within the neighborhoods. Residents were encouraged to contact SIDEWALKS@ HOUSTONTX.GOV to offer suggestions and express concerns about walkways that posed threats or inconveniences to pedestrians. When asked if these responses were forwarded to District C for review, however, Abbie Kamin’s office told The Leader that neither those solicited emails nor relevant 311 reports were forwarded to their office. Ultimately, all the research and community feedback for these improvements was initiated directly by Abbie Kamin’s office.
Eckhart was only 11 years old and competing in a motor cross league when he suffered a serious injury that involved a Life Flight trip to the hospital. After recovery and a couple of new teeth implants, his mother said that they were done with motor cross and his Dad put a bass guitar in his hands, launching him into a new hobby and passion of music. Eckhart says of his dad, “He grew up playing guitar in a rock band and taught me how to play bass to some of my favorite rock musicians at the time. I naturally took to the instrument because it was so much fun.” A fast learner, Eckhart soon adapted his rock bass playing skills to the cello and double bass in orchestra class. In middle school and high school he excelled competing in statewide competitions. After high school Eckhart, driven by his love of music, decided on a path of performance music study at the University of Houston where he would bond with his soon-to-be professor, mentor and bass player for the Houston Grand Opera, Dennis Whittaker.
HOBBY PASSION & TALENT CREATE A MASTER TEACHER
Yale St. at 13th is heavily traveled and often at high speeds, with the Heights Library, Heights HS, and a private preschool nearby.
The Heights continues to grow and develop exponentially. Along with that growth, there has been a correlating increase in the school and residential populations, creating the need for
essential updates and improvements to maintain resident safety. According to the Kinder Institute for Urban
Designated as a music performance major in his studies, Eckhart realized there was a reason why he ended up studying under Dennis Whittaker. Eckhart recognized how Whittaker’s teaching style was unique, with an ability to stylize a learning process that is See MUSIC P. 2
See SIDEWALK P. 5
Theater District Open House returns after six-year hiatus By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
Community Calendar: Check out what’s happening around town
Page 8
THE INDEX. Topics ����������������������������������������4 Classifieds ���������������������������������7 Local Culture �����������������������������8
For the first time since 2019, Houston’s beloved Theater District Open House is making a grand return, promising a day filled with live performances, interactive workshops, and an immersive celebration of the city’s performing arts scene. The highly anticipated 2025 ExxonMobil Theater District Open House will take place on Sunday, March 10, from 12-5 p.m., offering Houstonians a chance to rediscover the magic of live theater, music, and dance – all for free. The Houston Theater District is a 17-block cultural arts district
in downtown Houston that houses world-renowned performing arts companies in venues such as Jones Hall, Wortham Theater Center, Alley Theater and the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. The district also includes restaurants, cinemas, plazas and parks. The open house event marks a significant milestone for Houston’s performing arts community after a six-year hiatus. Garden Oaks resident Craig Hauschildt, the new executive director of the Houston Theater District, emphasized the importance of this revival. “The return of the Theater District Open House is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of
Houston’s vibrant performing arts community and an open invitation for everyone to reconnect,” he said. With a variety of programming designed to engage visitors, attendees can expect an array of experiences. “This free, family-friendly event is designed to spark curiosity and inspire new artistic interests, whether you’re a longtime theatergoer or someone stepping into these spaces for the first time,” Hauschildt said. Throughout the day, visitors can experience the magic of live performances, participate in interactive Photo by Daycia Harley dance workshops, enjoy concerts Audience members of all ages can reconnect with See THEATER P. 2
Houston’s vibrant arts community during the Theater Districts Open House.
H E L P SUPPORT Scan this QR code to make a donation through Paypal today!