The Empty Nest, Still Rooted in Lake Highlands
A group of Lake Highlands parents is turning friendship, community, and shared experiences into meaningful support for graduating seniors through the growing Wings to Fly Scholarship program.
Yusuff (Texas Tech) Brianna Rodriguez (Norwich University) Reyna Sundmaker (Baylor University) Jordon Kondoba (Trinity University)
When Sharon Kirkpatrick’s youngest child left for college, she found herself facing the same transition many Lake Highlands parents experience — an empty nest after years of school events, carpools, Friday night football games, and lifelong friendships built through the community.
But instead of letting those connections fade, Sharon and a group of fellow Lake Highlands parents decided to stay connected in a meaningful way.
That idea became The Empty Nest Social of Lake Highlands, a group that gathers throughout the year to support local nonprofits, strengthen friendships, and continue giving back to the community that shaped their families.
Their most impactful effort has become the Wings to Fly Scholarship, a program designed to support graduating Lake Highlands High School seniors heading to four-year universities.
While many recipients have earned significant academic scholarships, Sharon says there is often still a financial gap when it comes to the basics students need to start college life confidently — laptops, bedding, dorm essentials, school supplies, and other necessities.
Once scholarship recipients are selected, members of The Empty Nest Social work with each student to create a personalized Amazon wish list filled with items needed for college life. This year, because all funds were raised in advance, the group will purchase and organize the items for students before they head to campus in August.
The process helps ease a major burden for many students who may not have extra space at home to store dorm supplies over the summer. Laptops will also be distributed before graduation so students can stay connected with their universities, register for classes, attend orientation, and complete any summer coursework after turning in their school-issued Chromebooks.
For many students, it is the first time they have had belongings that truly feel like their own — and the support helps them walk into college feeling prepared and confident.
This year, the group recently hosted a fundraiser at Taco Joint in Lake Highlands with an original goal of raising $8,000. Thanks to overwhelming community support, donations continued pouring in after the event, helping the scholarship fund officially surpass the $10,000 mark.
The milestone means even more support for local students as they prepare for their next chapter, and Sharon says the response from the community has been incredibly meaningful.
“It has been amazing watching people rally around these kids to help send them off to college feeling supported, prepared, and celebrated,” she says.
As Wings to Fly enters its third year, the group is grateful to partner with the Richardson ISD Foundation for the 2026 scholarship campaign, allowing every donation to be 100% tax-deductible.
“At the heart of it, this is about community,” Sharon says. “Just because our kids have graduated doesn’t mean we’re done showing up for Lake Highlands students.”
Neighbors interested in learning more about the Wings to Fly Scholarship, supporting future students, or connecting with The Empty Nest Social of Lake Highlands can scan the QR codes included with this article to donate, learn more, or join the group’s Facebook community.