Lower School Students Led Shelton's 50th Founders Day Celebration, Singing "Happy Birthday" to Shelton

The youngest Chargers took center stage as Shelton School celebrated a major milestone — its 50th birthday — on Founders Day, Thursday, April 2.

At 10:30 a.m. in the Moody Fine Arts Center, Early Childhood through fourth-grade students, teachers and administrators were joined by staff from across the school for a joyful celebration. The event put students at the heart of the moment, bringing Shelton’s history to life in a way that was meaningful, memorable and fun.

Second-grader Robert Nixon helped set the tone for the celebration by creating the Shelton birthday artwork featured on the T-shirt designed for the day — a student-created symbol of Charger pride worn across the Lower School division.

During the celebration, Lower School students and teachers came together to count to 50 and sing “Happy Birthday” to Shelton, marking five decades of learning, growth and community. The excitement continued throughout the day with cupcakes at lunch — thanks to Chef Christian Moreno and the SAGE dining team.

Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell attended, and Head of Lower School Christine Davis reminded students of their role in Shelton’s future. “We have creative minds, courageous hearts and a strong Shelton spirit built on 50 years of legacy,” Mrs. Davis said. “But it’s not over yet — it’s your vision that will shape the next 50 years at Shelton and beyond.”

Thank you to Mrs. Davis, Assistant Heads of Lower School Lena Hilbert and Beth Womble and all of the Lower School teachers and staff who organized such a meaningful 50th Founders Day celebration.

Shelton second-grader Robert Nixon. 

Shelton 50th Fun Facts:

  • Shelton was founded on April 2, 1976, when The June Shelton School and Evaluation Center was officially chartered under the Texas Nonprofit Corporation Act.
  • Founder Dr. June Shelton established the school to provide evaluation, education and training for individuals with learning differences — and to help educators better understand language disorders and school-related challenges.
  • Larry Beeman personally flew the incorporation papers to Austin and hand-delivered them to ensure the school was chartered without delay. 
     
View Video: "Happy Birthday, Shelton!" View Livestream: Shelton Founders Day Celebration


 

The image shows a festive setup with large illuminated numbers 50 on a wooden platform, surrounded by various balloons and cupcakes on display in what appears to be a kitchen or dining area.
A group of young children wearing matching blue and white shirts, standing in front of a display with various items and decorations in a brightly lit indoor setting.
A group of children and adults gathered in a brightly lit indoor space, with various decorations and props visible in the background.
A group of young students, some wearing matching t-shirts, gathered in a classroom setting with wooden paneled walls.
A group of young children wearing matching blue shirts are gathered in a room, with an adult woman standing behind them.
A group of young people, some wearing colorful costumes and holding props, appear to be gathered in a room with various decorations and signage.
A group of people, mostly children, gathered in a room with a large %22Happy Birthday%22 banner displayed on the wall.
The image shows a group of young students standing in a classroom, with one student holding up a number card while the others watch. The background features wooden paneling and what appears to be a bulletin board or display.
A large, elaborately decorated birthday cake with blue frosting and gold star-shaped decorations sits on a wooden surface, surrounded by glowing lights in the background.
A group of young people wearing matching blue shirts, standing together in what appears to be a retail or commercial setting.
A group of young children wearing matching blue jerseys with numbers, standing in front of a large silver number 5 balloon, surrounded by other children and adults in a brightly lit indoor setting.
The image shows a large, illuminated number 50 display surrounded by various decorative balloons, suggesting a celebration or milestone event.