This episode is part of the GPISD Alumni Channel on Faces of Grand Prairie, where we share the stories of graduates whose lives and work continue to shape our community. We are actively seeking sponsors — businesses, organizations, and individuals — who want to help preserve and promote these hometown stories while inspiring future generations. Sponsorships support production, promotion, and outreach so more alumni voices can be heard. If you’d like to be part of keeping Grand Prairie’s alumni legacy alive, email facesofgrandprairie@gmail.com for details.
In this November 2020 episode, I sat down with Terry Brooks, GPISD Trustee for Place 1, and Charles Luckert, founder of Grand Prairie at a Glance and one of our city’s most devoted citizens. Both graduated from South Grand Prairie High School in 1974 and spent their lives rooted in the community they loved.
We talked about their high school years, the friendships that shaped them, and their shared passion for giving back to Grand Prairie. Charles, who passed away on May 7, 2024, left behind an extraordinary legacy — from his decades with the Dallas Morning News to his tireless volunteer work, earning him Volunteer of the Year in 2021 and Citizen of the Year in 2023. His photographs and leadership in “Grand Prairie at a Glance” captured the spirit of the city for countless residents.
Special thanks to Cole Humphreys of the HotnCole podcast for hosting us in his recording studio (and chiming in during the episode).
Episode photo: Terry and Charles at the State Fair of Texas during high school — a joyful snapshot of friendship and community pride.
I respected Charles very much; so much so, I named our code of ethics after him. THE CHARLES LUCKERT CODE OF JOURNALISM ETHICS
