Two generations received recognition at Bachman Lake Together’s annual Community Action Network (CAN) graduation ceremony, which celebrated the achievements of parent leaders and preschool graduates in Dallas’ Bachman Lake neighborhood.
Nineteen Bachman Lake-area parents completed the nine-month CAN program, which empowers parents by helping them build leadership skills, learn to advocate for their children’s education and access resources that support family well-being. Seventeen additional parents were honored for completing advanced levels of the program, which provides mentorship, training in early learning advocacy and volunteer leadership roles.
The ceremony, held at the Bachman Recreation Center, marked the culmination of Bachman Lake Together’s CAN parent leadership program.
Bachman Lake Together Executive Director Olga Martinez Hickman, Ph.D., welcomed the audience of families, partners and supporters, saying, “Today we celebrate a milestone not just for our parent leaders and their children, but for our entire community. Our CAN graduates have stepped into their roles as advocates, leaders and champions for early learning—and their commitment inspires us all to create a supportive environment where our children can grow and thrive.”
During the ceremony, AnaLorena Carrasco, Executive Director of AVANCE North Texas, which is a longtime partner of Bachman Lake Together, shared how AVANCE’s partnership with Bachman Lake Together and its role in delivering high-quality early education supports families holistically – ensuring parents and children learn side by side.
Israel Rivera, Dallas ISD Parent Advocacy and Support Services Executive Director, delivered a keynote address, highlighting the importance of parent engagement in children's education. Graduate and past Bachman Lake Together board member Denisse Gutierrez her experiences as a parent in the program and her belief in the power of parents to lead change in Bachman Lake.
The ceremony concluded with a joyful performance by the preschool-age AVANCE graduates and their parents, who danced to “El baile del sapito (The Little Frog Dance),” symbolizing the energy and unity of the families and community.
Bachman Lake Together extends heartfelt thanks to its partners, volunteers, and supporters for their continued dedication to empowering families. The organization remains committed to helping families build strong foundations—through early learning, parent leadership and family well-being—so their children are fully prepared to succeed in school and in life.