Honoring Shelton Parents' Association Leaders Who Helped Shape 50 Years of Shelton History

Once part of the Charger family, always part of the Charger family!

Shelton hosted a 50th anniversary luncheon on Oct. 24 in the Fine Arts Gallery, celebrating former Shelton Parents’ Association presidents and Stampede Auction chairs who have helped shape Shelton’s history.

Speakers included Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell, Director of Volunteer Relations and Events Shelly Lloyd, 2025-26 SPA Co-President Leigh Erin Lundy, 2026 Stampede Auction Co-Chairs Mandy Evans and JoAnna Sudbeck and senior student speakers Chloe Weiner and Jack Plankinton.

In her remarks, Stell reflected on the growth of the SPA and thanked parents for their contributions, noting that the organization’s work has supported everything from major campus projects to financial aid and student enrichment.

Lundy shared her gratitude for the generations of parents who helped build the strong sense of community that defines Shelton today.

“All of you have laid a lasting foundation over the past 50 years, and our hope is to build on that foundation for years to come,” said Lundy. “None of this would have been possible without everything you’ve done. We’re so grateful. Our goal is to continue showing Shelton families, teachers and staff the same love, compassion and sense of belonging that you helped create.”

Lisa Harrigan, who co-chaired the Stampede auction is 2018-2019, reflected on her family’s years at Shelton and the impact the school had on her son, Tyler (Shelton Class of 2021). “Shelton was such a great experience for my son—it changed his life.”

These SPA volunteers worked tirelessly for Shelton and remain an important part of the school’s story. Attendees enjoyed reconnecting with one another and received special 50th anniversary gifts in appreciation of their contributions.

“The sense of community and support at Shelton was incredibly meaningful,” said Christine Horstman, former Shelton Parents’ Association president and two-year Annual Fund co-chair who led the SPA in 2012-13 and 2014-15. “As a parent, you come here after struggling to get your child what they need, and suddenly you’re surrounded by people who understand. Shelton wrapped around my son with love, tools and strategies that built his confidence and helped him thrive. The families, the staff — everyone here is exceptional. Once you’re part of the Charger family, you’re always part of the Charger family.”

• In 1981-82, Shelton’s parent organization was known as the Parents’ Council.
• The name officially changed to the Shelton Parents’ Association in 1997, when Janice Ryan served as president.
• In 1990, the group tried a new format for its annual spring fundraiser, Spring Fling, which raised more than $50,000 and drew over 400 parents and friends.
• The event became known as the Stampede Auction in 2006, though the “Stampede” theme had been used earlier in 1992-93 when the Dixie Chicks performed.
• Shelton’s 40th anniversary celebration in 2016 featured entertainment by Don Henley.

• Shelton currently has 1,078 students enrolled.
• There are 60 sports teams with 540 students participating from fifth through 12th grade.
• Seventy-three percent of Shelton’s high school students (about 250) are involved in fine arts.
• Shelton’s 30-acre campus includes 21 science and STEM classrooms, along with outdoor education programs, mental health and wellness initiatives with dogs and horses and a new partnership with Equest to bring miniature horses to campus.
• The school employs 300 full-time and 150 part-time staff members.