Former Lake Highlands Highlandette director Shannon Harty Carlton has been hired to lead the drill team at Highland Park High. As director of the Highland Belles, she’ll report directly to former LHHS principal, Walter Kelly.

“Shannon has a history of excellence in leading dance and drill teams, beginning with her days as a Rangerette and extending through her experience as the director of some of the top high school programs in Texas,” said Kelly. Carlton was captain of the Rangerettes while in college, and she currently serves as director of the Richardson High Desperados, their country and western dance team modeled after the Wildcat Wranglers.

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Carlton replaces Belle director Christie Crummel, who announced her resignation in April. Crummel was involved in a dust-up with a couple of seniors on her squad who reportedly violated her rule against dressing up for Goth Day in October. According to the Park Cities People, the girls’ parents filed a police report and threatened to sue after Crummel allegedly shoved one of the girls.

Luckily, Carlton’s career in Lake Highlands was drama-free. Once again, HP has hired an outstanding employee from the training grounds of Richardson ISD.

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.