INSIDE Camp Guide Pages 20-24
WEST SIDE STORIES Stephen Mills
Page 11
Page 4
VOLUME 39 ISSUE 3 - SINCE 1986
PLACES TO GO Around the Neighborhood
INSIDE Philanthropy Spotlight
Pages 2-3
W E S TA U S T I N N E W S . C O M
Back row: Stacy Weiseman, Bonnie Gonzales, Brandon Allen, Tess Friedman, Laney Ramirez, Andy Felix, and Suzanne Starkey. Front row: Yvette Aguilar, Melissa Morrow, and Karissa Martinez.
Sammie Joseph Jr. and Wesley Joseph
MARCH 26, 2026
WAYA Executive Director Melissa Morrow, J. Pieratt, Dewitt Gayle, Randy McEachern, Anne Wynne, and Scotty Sayers
WAYA Legacy Luncheon Celebrates Community, Honors Beloved Teacher
WAYA Executive Director Melissa Morrow, and Austin City Council Senior Policy Strategist Laura Yeager
West Austin Youth Association (WAYA) recently hosted its annual Legacy Luncheon, sponsored by Dell Children’s and Tarrytown Pharmacy, in the gymnasium of its West Austin facility, marking the 46th anniversary of strengthening the community with its sports programs and preschool. The current WAYA Board President, past Board Presidents, Board members, special guests, and community members were on hand to celebrate WAYA’s accomplishments over the past year, its vision for the year ahead, and to honor a treasured teacher. Guests enjoyed lunch provided by Central Market, and current WAYA Board President Shaun Dickerson welcomed the crowd and thanked them for their ongoing support. Dickerson spoke about the importance of fostering connection and WAYA’s role in bringing the community together. The luncheon’s special hon-
Zach Anderson, Wick Alexander, Shaun Dickerson, and Sammie Joseph Jr.
Betsy Davis, Sophia Darwich, Yvette Aguilar, and Hassan Alissa
Susan Auler, Meg Moss, Board President Shaun Dickerson, and Molly Sherman
oree was Betsy Davis, affectionately called, “Ms. Betsy.” During her tenure at WAYA Preschool, Ms. Betsy has provided love, support, and an incredible foundation for hundreds of pre-schoolers. Ms. Betsy’s family and friends were on hand as she received special recognition for the positive influence and lasting impact she has had on her students. A letter from parents whose two children were in Ms. Betsy’s class and are now in college was read aloud, praising Ms. Betsy and thanking her for creating an environment where all children feel seen and supported. Executive Director Melissa Morrow shared, “WAYA is honoring an exceptional preschool teacher today, Ms. Betsy Davis, for her 20 years of teaching at WAYA. Ms. Betsy, as she is fondly known and remembered by over 340 students and their families at WAYA, is that rare teacher who truly makes each
child shine and grow. From the student who may struggle to sit still to the ones who are already excelling, she sees the individual and develops their strengths and gives them skills and tools to grow. At the same time she also helps them learn how to make and be a good friend and classmate.” Another highlight of the afternoon featured Family Day Chairs Jenna Granger, Wesley Joseph, Jessica Pieratt, and Meredith Spears who announced exciting updates about the upcoming WAYA Family Day. They unveiled the theme of this year’s much anticipated event – “Everybody’s Somebody at WAYA”--a playful twist on the legendary Luckenback motto. Family Day is scheduled for Friday, April 17 and promises to be a fun-filled celebration that brings the community together. Stacy Weiseman, Director of Business Operations, detailed WAYA’s proposed
upcoming facility improvements, including installing outdoor water fountains, water bottle filling stations, additional safety lighting for the building, bleachers, and storage sheds for the new field. Funding from the upcoming Family Day will help make these improvements possible. During her final remarks, Morrow highlighted the positive impact WAYA has on youth, which strengthens the entire community. She also shared WAYA’s vision to expand its offerings beyond sports to include non-athletic programs, such as Cotillion, cooking classes, and acting classes. To close the memorable event, guests were treated to a surprise visit from Ms. Betsy’s class, who serenaded her with “You Are My Sunshine”, a perfect tribute to a beloved teacher. If you are interested in Family Day Sponsorship, visit waya.org.
Jennah Granger, Jessica Pieratt, Meredith Spears, Kathleen Pieratt, and Wesley Joseph
Laura Davis, Betsy Davis, and Ginny Frye
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Jessica and J. Pieratt
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