People & Places continues to be one of our site's most popular features.

With this weekly column, we aim to introduce our readers to fellow Lake Highlands residents and community leaders who have an interesting story to tell.

Getting to know our neighbors is something that comes pretty easy to fellow LH'ers.

This week, we visit with Jim Richardson, a 22-year resident of our community, who serves as Headmaster at Dallas Academy.

LH Today: Tell us a little bit about Dallas Academy.

Richardson: Dallas Academy was established in 1965 by former Dallas Mayor Wallace Savage and his wife, Dorothy. The school originally served 40 students in grades 7 through 12. In 2005, we merged with the Lattner School and expanded to include grades 1 through 6.

Our goal at Dallas Academy is to restore the promise of full academic enrichment to students with learning differences. Our multi-sensory program is especially beneficial to students who have been diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other learning differences.

LH Today: What's your educational background?

Richardson: I attended Rider High School in Wichita Falls, Texas and am a graduate of Texas A&M University, Commerce.

LH Today: What other organizations are you currently involved in?

Richardson: I am a member of the Council of Private Special Education Schools and Past President of the Texas Association of Vocational Counselors. I'm also involved with the National Association for Children with Learning Disabilities and the Orton Dyslexia Association.

LH Today: What hobbies and volunteer activities do you enjoy?

Richardson: I enjoy camping and playing softball, as well as announcing football and basketball games for Dallas Academy. I spend time volunteering with the Love of the Lake organization at White Rock Lake and the North Texas Food Bank.

LH Today: Tell us about your family.

Richardson: My wife is Meg, and she's been a teacher at Dallas Academy for 22 years. We've been married for 30 years and our daughter, Meghan, graduated from Lake Highlands High School.

Meghan was a member of Espree and the Highlandettes. She also graduated from Texas A&M and currently lives in Dallas.

LH Today: What would you say you're most passionate about?

Richardson: My family, of course, and my school. I've spent 26 years at Dallas Academy seeing kids with learning problems succeed!

LH Today: On a typical Saturday, what might we find you doing?

Richardson: I actually love yard work, so you'll probably find me in the yard. I might also be participating in a softball tournament or working at a football or basketball game for the school.

LH Today: What's something others might be surprised to learn about you?

Richardson: I am a prostate cancer survivor. It also might surprise people to know that I sang in high school and college and was a member of the Dallas Symphony Chorus.

To learn more about Dallas Academy visit the school's website here.

Mr. Richardson's interview was originally published in March of 2010.

As the LH Today Educator Series continues, watch for more features with local principals and headmasters coming soon.