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 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.