Where Are They Now?
Greg Gardner '87
Growing up in Lakewood, Greg was very familiar with Lakehill Preparatory School, but for Greg, Lakehill is a family tradition. The Gardner family has more than a twenty-five year history with Lakehill. Greg’s mother, Anna Gardner, served on the Lakehill staff for over 25 years and his brother, Chris, graduated from Lakehill in 1985. Everyone at Lakehill is proud of Greg for his achievements both professionally and in the Dallas community.
Greg spent twelve years at Lakehill and used his experience to participate in numerous extracurricular activities -- athletics, student government, and academics each played a vital role in helping to shape his future. “Lakehill gave me the confidence to try different activities and encouraged me to find my real passion,” notes Greg. It was in athletics that Greg found his passion and he was named all-state in football and track during his time at Lakehill.
After Lakehill, Greg attended Southern Methodist University and graduated in 1991 with a B.A. in Advertising. “I remember from my earliest moments as a student that going to college was not a goal, but an expectation. Lakehill really excels in that area. The rigorous academic coursework helped me prepare for college and beyond,” recalls Gardner. Continuing his passion for athletics that he discovered at Lakehill, Greg went on to become a linebacker at SMU, where he lettered in football. In Lakehill’s tradition of giving back to the community, Greg currently sits on the SMU Lettermen’s Board of Directors.
Today Greg is a certified financial planner serving as Founder and President of The Gardner Group. Based in Dallas, The Gardner Group was established in 1994 and manages the financial affairs of families, business owners, and charitable institutions throughout the country. “At Lakehill you are encouraged to try different things. I think this encouragement gave me the confidence needed to start my own firm.” Greg’s entrepreneural spirit and expertise in his field has served him well. The Gardner Group is recognized as a leading financial planning firm by publications such as Wealth Manager, Financial Advisor, and D Magazine.
Just like twenty years ago, Greg is still very much an athlete – weightlifting, competing in the occasional marathon or triathlon, and coaching local YMCA youth football teams. Greg also serves on Southern Methodist University’s planned giving board. Greg still resides in Lakewood and remains in contact with the Lakehill family as much as possible. “I encourage all Lakehill alumni to get in touch with their classmates and make sure Lakehill has current contact information. I look forward to catching up with all my old friends,” says Greg.
Sally (Street) Batt '00
When Sally Batt walked into the doors of Lakehill in August 2007, it was under very different circumstances. Instead of being an enthusiastic student, she was returning as an excited and motivated teacher. Sally returned to Lakehill in the fall of 2007 as a kindergarten teacher after spending the last three years teaching in the Houston area. “Having Sally back is great for the students and the staff. Sally was a great student and has turned into an outstanding teacher,” said Headmaster Roger Perry.
As a student, Sally took advantage of everything that Lakehill had to offer, participating in many extracurricular activities. From cheerleading and tennis to cultural studies to Sisteens, Sally used her time at Lakehill to develop confidence and a desire to get involved. “That is what I really enjoyed about Lakehill; you could be as involved as you wanted. With the size of the school, you really could get involved and get to know the teachers and staff on a very one-on-one level,” recalls Sally.
Upon graduation from Lakehill, Sally attended Texas A&M and graduated in 2004 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. “Going to a school with over 46,000 students is a tough transition for any student. My graduating class at Lakehill had 18 students, and one of my first classes at Texas A&M had over 400. But I knew that the best way to ease the transition was to get involved on campus. This is something I definitely learned at Lakehill,” noted Sally. At Texas A&M, Sally was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority and was involved in several community service and philanthropic projects, including Volunteering at Phoebe’s Home, a shelter for women and children, The Children's Miracle Network, The Huntsman Cancer Institute, and The Brazos Valley Boys and Girls Club.
After completing her degree at Texas A&M, Sally completed an LTICS (Learning to Teach in Inter City Schools) internship program and taught in the first grade gifted and talented program of the Houston school district for three years. However, she was always looking for the opportunity to move back to the Dallas area. Fortunately for Lakehill an opportunity opened. “I love teaching at Lakehill, seeing the familiar faces and the wonderful kids. The school has a strong structure, but still allows for the kids to be creative and find their own way.”
Since Sally graduated, the school has seen growth not only in enrollment, but also facilities and programs. “The Wyly Auditorium is great and the Perry Campus on Ferguson Road is just outstanding,” said Sally. “I would have loved to have been involved in some of the fine arts programs that are now offered. I’m glad to see that students have so many programs from which to choose.”
As Sally completes her first year as a teacher at Lakehill, she has a simple message that she wants to pass along to her students. “Grow up to be unique and take the opportunity to get involved in school and the community to find out were your passion lies.” Watching Mrs. Batt in the classroom, you can see her passion in teaching the next generation of Lakehill students.
Sally and her husband, Evan, currently reside in Dallas with their dogs, Sam and Layla. “I hope other alumni will contact the school so that we will have their current contact information. I look forward to catching up with old friends.” |
