Did you catch the Kelly Clarkson Show Tuesday? During the program, Kelly sang Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” at the request of Lake Highlands High 2004 grad Leslie Connor. After the performance, she asked why Leslie loved the song.

Leslie explained that her grandfather, Charles, built White Rock Skate Center in 1972, and her dad, Chuck, used to return home on college weekends to DJ at the rink. Chuck loved Sinatra, and the rink became known for playing his music.

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“I loved growing up at the roller skating rink,” Leslie told Kelly. “Fun fact – I actually could roller skate before I could walk, and it led to me skating professionally at theme parks in Orlando.”

In 2016, Chuck was diagnosed with cancer, and in 2018 the family had a celebration of life for him featuring all the concession food he shared with patrons over the years.

“We had hot dogs, nachos, cupcakes and even a disco ball for decoration. We honored him his way.”

You can reminisce about Chuck Connor here and the White Rock Skate Center here. Kelly Clarkson airs weekdays locally at 2 p.m. on NBC 5.

Author

  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.