They stood alongside new Dallas ISD superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde and other school and community leaders primed to make this a memorable year.
A little girl dressed in brand new school clothes with a princess crown on top of her head sat on the glossy gym floor and gazed at her updated school with hope.
Earlier in the morning, a mother wiped tears as her tiny son walked inside his first school. She was prepared for him to kick and scream, but instead, he raced into the arms of a Dallas Mavericks mascot.
Another little girl thanked the Mavs dancers repeatedly as she caressed her new Mavs backpack, new school supplies and other goodies.