Lewisville Honors Chris Paul

Hometown Pride

Yesterday the Town of Lewisville honored one of its own, Chris Paul, with a special ceremony to unveil a plaque at Shallowford Square honoring Chris as a gold medalist on the 2008 Olympics USA Basketball Team.

Following the invocation given by Rev. Louis Hunter, Jr., young representatives of Lewisville Elementary School’s third-grade classes presented Chris with a gift.

Lewisville’s Mayor Dan Pugh, who knew Chris when he was a Pop Warner football player, reminisced about Chris’ athleticism and also highlighted a conversation he once had with Chris’ grandfather. Although appreciative of Chris’ athletic talent, his grandfather emphasized that his greatest prayer for Chris was that he would be a man of integrity. Mayor Pugh also recited a long list of Chris’ achievements as an athlete, from his days as a high school basketball player, to his ACC/Wake Forest basketball days, and his present role as an NBA player with the New Orleans Hornets.

Chris’ high school principal, Kurt Telford of West Forsyth High School, shared his recollections of Chris as a student who led by example and humility, both on and off the basketball court.

Photo Gallery and Audio

Please continue to the NEXT SECTION for more PHOTOS and AUDIO of the ceremony honoring Chris Paul. CLICK for more PHOTOS and AUDIO of the Chris Paul ceremony

Jumping for Joy

Questions

Sometimes I wonder how much the presence of my camera affects a situation. For example, were the young folks pictured above extremely happy before I moseyed up to them at Shallowford Square? Or did a wild exuberance suddenly overtake them once I pointed my camera at them? Hmmm. Actually, I suspect that both ideas are true!

The occasion of our meeting was yet another Starlight Movie Nite last Friday evening (May 8, 2009). The highly popular Disney movie, High School Musical 3, was scheduled to play at Shallowford Square. As usual, prior to the movie, I roamed the Square, talking to old acquaintances, meeting new ones, and taking photos along the way.

Observation

I’ve noticed that an atmosphere of joy always seems to pervade the Square on Starlight Movie Nites. Whether it’s kids romping in the playground area, grandparents doting over their grandchildren, or couples chilling out after a busy week — most everyone seems especially happy.

Happy to be alive. Happy to be in good company. Happy to be attending a free movie!

CLICK for more PHOTOS and a special SNEAK PREVIEW

Fun at the Square

After a brief spring break, I’m back now with more Lewisville photos! And first up, are scenes from the Starlight Movie Nite Kick-Off.

Kids’ Activities

Last Friday evening, the Town of Lewisville kicked off its first Starlight Movie Nite of the season in Shallowford Square with the movie, Kung Fu Panda. New this year were games and prizes for children, facilitated by the town staff, as well as random drawings for assorted prizes.

From my perspective, I had fun trying to capture the energy and playfulness of the children. Some of them participated in the games, while others played in the playground area. Their ages ranged from around two years old to perhaps early teens. Whatever their age or their activity, they sure did put their heart into it. What a fun group of kids!

Plus, I did notice that one particular group of young ladies always seemed to find the camera! Thankfully, they had real personality and some great smiles. (I think you’ll know who they are when you review the gallery photos!)

Music and Movie

Following the games, Chrissie Hall and Michael Hoch treated the audience to some pleasant duets, with Michael also performing on guitar. A number of the kids let loose with, might I say, some rather unique dance moves!

Unfortunately, the threat of rain caused some families and couples to leave not long after the movie had begun. I decided to depart then, too, especially since photo opportunities were pretty much over by that time.

Photo Gallery

Check out photos of the evening’s activities and enjoy the children featured in the Kung Fu Panda Starlight Movie Nite photo gallery.

Easter Egg Hunt

Eggs, Eggs and More Eggs!

I dropped by Sunrise United Methodist Church this past Saturday morning (April 11) to photograph their annual Easter Egg Hunt. Oh, what fun it was!

With every child that arrived, I could feel the energy and excitement level building! And when the signal was given, children and parents scurried outside to find the Easter eggs that had been so profusely placed on the property.

Everywhere I looked, I saw multiple brightly colored eggs, and I could just imagine the children’s excitement. (Wisely enough, a color-code procedure had been introduced during sign-up to ensure that every child could find enough eggs to fill his or her basket.)

Photo Strategy?

As far as photographs, I decided to concentrate on the younger children, thinking it would be somewhat easier to anticipate their moves and to get into position for some good shots. Well, they moved faster than I expected! But I just kept darting here and there as I saw children constantly moving toward unclaimed eggs.

It seemed that in no time, though, the hunt was over and everyone headed back inside the church building. That’s when the eggs were opened, and the goodies were retrieved. Kids and parents alike were opening eggs with such concentrated zeal that most of them seemed oblivious to me and my clicking camera!

More Fun and Food

Next, everyone headed outside for a group shot of the children, followed by games for the various ages, with parents and other volunteers assisting. Wrapping up the fun morning was a hotdog lunch provided by the youth.

Photo Gallery

Be sure to check out the Sunrise UMC Easter Egg Hunt photo gallery. You’ll get a real sense of the enthusiasm and fun that marked a very enjoyable morning.

Please share any thoughts the photos may evoke by clicking on the Comment link below. I hope you enjoy them.

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