Community

Jose Vargas and the Bath House Cultural Center are calling for visual artists to submit entries for the 17th annual El Corazon Exhibition. The show allows artists to explore themes related to the human heart. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. Jan. 8. For more information, call 214.670.8749 or visit dallasculture.org.

The White Rock Lake Foundation and For The Love of the Lake will host White Rock Lake Centennial Champions, presented to all area high school, middle and grade school students at the beginning of the spring 2011 semester. The event is a fundraising contest for the White Rock Lake Centennial Celebration to garner awareness of the White Rock Lake’s needs. Students who raise the most money will receive medals at the Grand Finale Beach Party June 25. The contest begins Tuesday, Jan. 4, from 9 a.m.-noon.

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Education

Richardson ISD has been named the top school district in Texas based on Academic Performance Index. Education Resource Group, a private company based in Houston, conducted the study and looked at student performance, financial management, student demographics and other factors.

People

Advocate photographer Benjamin Hager’s photos were selected to be part of the “Trashing our Treasure” photography exhibit, which opens this month at the Bath House Cultural Center’s White Rock Museum, 521 E. Lawther. Find details about the event on page 24.

Volunteer

The Vickery Meadow Learning Center is looking for people to teach English to adults for two hours per week for 13 weeks, January-April, at the Lake Highlands location, 6329 Ridgecrest. All classes are co-taught, and curriculum and training are provided. No experience is required. Orientation sessions run 9-11:30 a.m. and 6:30-9 p.m. Jan. 6. To learn more, call adult program director Amy Glover at 214.265.5057 ext. 12 or visit vmlc.org.

The RISD Clothes Closet needs gently worn clothes and accessories to help RISD students in need. The storefront is at 970 Security Row, and the shop also could use more volunteers 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays. For details call 469.235.1569.

The Network of Community Ministries serves underprivileged children in RISD and needs donations, including nonperishable food, coats and diapers for ages 3-5. To help out, call 972.234.5505 or stop by the storefront at 741 S. Sherman in Richardson.