Thursday, March 28, 2024

Community event to honor teenager this weekend

Alex Betzhold
Alex Betzhold

Argyle’s annual Shoot for the Stars Community Festival continues this year with a few extra events than before, according to Pam Arrington with Argyle ISD.

The event, slated for this Saturday, May 9, at Argyle High School, was established four years ago to remember middle school student Alex Betzhold, who passed away in his sleep from an underlying heart condition when he was 13.

Alex, who stood 6 feet tall, was very active in his youth group and had a great love for basketball. He was also a straight A student active in academic competitions.

Family, friends and others in the community keep Alex’s memory alive as well as bring awareness to others about underlying heart conditions in both youth and teens, Arrington said.

Mary Betzhold, Alex’s mother, is a teacher at Argyle High School, and is married to Steve. The couple have two daughters, Claire and Sophie.

“His mom wanted to do something to bring awareness and to honor him,” Arrington said.

The event, open to anyone who would like to attend, runs Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This year’s Shoot for the Stars includes a bike rally, 3-on-3 basketball tournaments running all afternoon, a 1-mile color run, pinewood derby races, heart screenings, a blood drive, food and vendors. At 6 p.m., live music by Abbey Cone, an up-and-coming country singer from Argyle, will perform as well as George Dunham and The Bird Dogs band at Fuzzy’s Taco off Hwy 377. Live auctions are also planned that evening.

The Betzhold family says it is important to them to bring awareness to underlying heart conditions and have all youth and teens screened. They also want to spread their testimony. Follow the event on Instagram @Theshootforthestars. For information on how to get involved or to set up a heart screening, call 940-390-9090.

Each year, more activities are added to Shoot for the Stars as larger crowds are drawn to Argyle’s annual event.

“It’s just grown every year,” Arrington said.

Schedule of Events

Argyle High School:
Heart Screenings (Throughout the day)
8:30 a.m. – Bike Rally
9:30 a.m. – Pinewood Derby (Adult) (10-10:45 a.m.)
9:30-11:30 a.m.- Car Wash
9:45 a.m. Balloon Release
10:00 a.m. – 3 on 3 Basketball
11:30 a.m. – Pinewood Derby (Kids) (12-12:45 p.m.)
1:00 a.m. – Color Run

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop:
6:30 p.m. – Silent Auction Begins
7:00 p.m. – Abbey Cone
8:00 p.m. – The Bird Dogs

Register for the 3-On-3 Basketball Tournament and Color Run here.

CTG Staff
CTG Staff
The Cross Timbers Gazette News Department

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