Have you ever wondered what makes Lakewood so special? And so different from other communities? As we bring 2023 to a close and look back at the 12 families that have been featured here each month, the common theme is involvement. People that are uber-involved in the local landscape. Whether it’s at school, at church, in politics or philanthropy; your east Dallas neighbors are overachievers when it comes to community involvement and volunteerism. This month we feature another neighbor that spends their time and energy making our neighborhood the coveted Dallas hot spot.

Meet the Stuart family. Shannon, Kyle, Preston, Harrison & Grant. This busy family is working hard helping and serving. Shannon & Kyle, met in 7th grade; had their first date at their Mesquite high school senior Homecoming and recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of that first date! Shannon, an international model by age 16, was surely capturing some attention. Lucky Kyle! After high school, she did college locally so that she could continue her modeling career where she was featured in loads of print for large retailers such as JC Penney and Dillards. Meanwhile, Kyle was on track to become an orthopedic surgeon. As newlyweds, the couple lived in a hostel in Sydney (yes Australia!) while Shannon modeling there but eventually settled in the Lakewood area. 

Today, Kyle, an avid golfer, is part of an east Dallas private practice Sports Medicine Clinic as well as the team orthopedic doctor for Bishop Lynch. Growing up as a member of Dallas Athletic Club, the couple joined as family members 9 years ago and Kyle fits in as much golf as he can!

If you don’t know Shannon from LECPTA, Lakewood Elementary PTA, Lakewood Hills Neighborhood Association’s Welcome Committee or Crime Watch, or Lakepointe White Rock Church children’s ministries, you will probably recognize her from Channel 4’s Good Day Dallas where she is frequently on air serving as the spokesperson for Southlake Town Square. She is represented by Kim Dawson and still models as needed and when she can fit it into her busy schedule as a mom of 3 and local volunteer. Her most recent endeavor - working on the Lakewood Home Tour both as a docent in a home and as a seamstress helping to put together the sponsor banners for each home. 

In her spare time, Shannon’s hobby as a crafter and seamstress has resulted in costumes for annual parties, curtains, and monograms for herself and her friends. She loves doing projects for her own home like paint and wallpaper. One of her favorite projects was a wood accent wall in her home where she mastered power tools but best of all got to spend time with and learn from her Dad. 

Three boys would keep any family busy. The older Stuart boys have been swimmers for DAC’s Dolphin swim team and the youngest, Grant, is along for the ride and up for anything! Preston, 3rd grade, is loving the architecture and design program at Imaginarium and Harrison, first grade, is trying out a few sports to see what he likes. Grant,4, loves anything Lightning McQueen or Super Mario Brothers. Kyle is anxiously awaiting someone to share his interest in golf!

This year the Stuarts are building some family traditions of their own. At their recently completed home in Durango, all 4 boys can spread their wings outside, find respite from their busy lives and have a place to create new and lasting memories. With Shannon’s crazy schedule, I imagine that she’ll enjoy the break but also have some fun decorating and submerging herself in that community as well. 

Shannon’s advice to anyone getting started, getting settled or starting anew in East Dallas “Get out and know your neighbors.  Everyone is different and has a story to tell. Get involved in the community. “ After meeting so many of our interesting and involved Lakewood neighbors, I’m thrilled to report that what makes us special here in Lakewood is also what keeps us together – involvement! As we approach the new year, let neighbors like the Stuarts inspire each of us to get involved and serve our community too.