“They're kids just like any other kids… but they're not gonna be any other kids, because of that experience in K through 8, they're going to be better. They are going to be difference makers, they're going to be influencers and some of them may be big level politicians, some might be athletes. There's natural talent there! What you want to do with natural talent is hone it, invest in it, and then you get the blossom."
- Julius “Dr. J” Erving
2025 Destiny Award Luncheon Highlights
Thank you for another Amazing Destiny Award Luncheon!
A very special thank you to:
Destiny Awards Speaker: Julius “Dr. J” Erving
Luncheon Chairs: Carolyn and David Miller
Host Committee Chairs: Marlena and Brent English
Underwriting Chairs: Gwen and Arthur George
Speaker Sponsors: Jewel and Roland Parrish
Congratulations to the Humanitarian Award Recipients: Rozene and the late Charley Pride
Thank you also to our generous sponsors and friends that continue to pour into St. Philip’s School and Community Center.
About Destiny
The Destiny Award Luncheon is the signature fundraising event benefiting St. Philip’s School and Community Center (St. Philip’s). This year, the event celebrates 25 years of honoring Dallas’ altruistic history, bringing dynamic speakers to engage St. Philip’s diverse stakeholders and key community members.
At the luncheon, attendees will enjoy a special conversation with the Parrish Family Destiny Award Speaker, NBA legend Julius "Dr. J" Erving, moderated by three-time Olympic gold medalist and icon Jackie Joyner-Kersee, making it a truly inspirational occasion. The Mona and Dave Munson Humanitarian Award will be presented to Rozene Pride to honor her and the late Charley Pride for their work to significantly bridge diverse communities. The award reflects the belief in the oneness of humankind and the shared destiny that links us all.
St. Philip’s continues to shine as a beacon of light, hope, and transformation in South Dallas. It provides exceptional education for children from PreK2 to 8th grade, with a remarkable track record of success: 100% of St. Philip’s alumni graduate from high school, and 95% go on to college, far surpassing the local neighborhood’s high school graduation rate of 48% and college attendance rate of 4%. Notably, in May 2024 St. Philip’s graduated its first class of 8th graders. These 13 scholars earned over $300,000 in high school scholarships, a testament to the school’s academic excellence. Also in September 2024, St. Philip's was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School, an extraordinary national achievement that underscores the school's dedication to educational quality and innovation.
Funds raised through the Destiny Awards Luncheon directly support St. Philip’s community operations. Each year, St. Philips serves over 8,000 neighbors, providing critical services such as senior transportation, housing, hunger relief through Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry, and enrichment programs for children and families. These efforts, combined with St. Philip’s founding athletics programs serving over 1500 children, ensure that the school continues to be a pillar of support and growth in the community.
St. Philip’s is truly the miracle at 1600 Pennsylvania.