From the Director’s Chair
Dear DECATS Families,
As we tip our hats to another unforgettable summer, our hearts are full of gratitude. The final week of DECATS was the perfect ending to a remarkable journey, and we are so thankful you entrusted us with your Scholars. This summer, they truly went Deep in the Heart of DECATS—discovering their strengths, growing as leaders, and leaving with memories and skills that will last a lifetime.
During our final week, Scholars put their learning into action through culminating activities that showcased just how far they’ve come. Our Manners Scholars gathered at the DECATS Café luncheon, where they confidently demonstrated the etiquette and social skills they’ve developed. Executive Functioning Scholars tackled real-world challenges using planning, organization, and problem-solving strategies. Wellness Scholars shared their understanding of caring for both body and mind, while our Values and Morals Scholars completed their service project and graciously served their fellow Scholars during the luncheon, embodying the spirit of generosity and hospitality that runs deep in the heart of DECATS.
Our Closing Celebration was filled with Texas-sized joy as we honored every Scholar’s growth and accomplishments. The stone jars—overflowing with symbols of kindness, creativity, leadership, and encouragement—served as a beautiful reminder that when we invest in one another, everyone grows stronger. Together, our Scholars also collected more than 1000 items for St. Vincent de Paul, proving that one of the greatest treasures we can share is a heart for serving others.
As we continue building an even stronger DECATS experience, your feedback is one of our most valuable resources. Both the Parent Evaluation and Scholar Evaluation are available in the checklist within your myStatus portal. We sincerely appreciate your taking a few moments to share your family’s experience and help us continue growing for future Scholars.
We also encourage both parents and Scholars to send a note of thanks to DeBusk Foundation, whose generous support has made DECATS possible for thousands of gifted children across Texas. Their team truly enjoys hearing the stories and memories that make each summer so special. Thank-you letters may be submitted electronically using the form on the homepage of your myStatus portal.
If DECATS has made a meaningful impact on your family, we invite you to consider helping future Scholars experience the same opportunity by contributing to the DECATS Scholarship Fund. More than 30 years ago, Manuel DeBusk planted the first seed of generosity that has grown into a program serving gifted students across Texas. By making a tax-deductible gift—or taking advantage of your employer’s corporate matching program—you help ensure that his legacy continues for generations to come.
Although our time together has ended, we know our Scholars leave with hearts full of confidence, minds eager to learn, and a renewed commitment to lead and serve. We cannot wait to see the difference they will make in their schools, churches, homes, and communities.
From all of us at DECATS, thank you for making this summer one we’ll always treasure. We wish your family a restful, joy-filled remainder of the summer.
Sincerely in Christ,
Dr. Kendall Shamas
Program Director, St. Anne
