Transforming Lives

Archway Academy affair celebrates the courage of students in recovery

A wave of inspiration swept through the River Oaks Country Club on October 15 as education champions gathered for Archway Academy’s 17th Annual Luncheon. Under the leadership of chairs Rudy and Cameron Cano, the midday affair honored the resilience of students, their life-changing accomplishments, and the transformative power of combining education with recovery.

Archway Academy, the nation’s largest sober high school, provides students a safe and supportive environment to excel academically while maintaining sobriety.

One of the most impactful moments came from keynote speaker Brian Cuban. The Dallas-based attorney, author, and addiction recovery advocate — perhaps best known as the younger brother of entrepreneur Mark Cuban — captivated the audience with his raw personal story. His journey from addiction to recovery mirrored the school’s mission, underscoring the significance of the nonprofit’s core objective: offering second chances to students battling substance abuse.

"At Archway Academy, we're not just educating students—we're saving lives," said Clifton Gillock, director of marketing and communications. His words, filled with gratitude, resonated throughout the room, reminding everyone of the profound impact their support makes. The funds will allow more students to walk the path of sobriety, no matter the challenges they face

The emotional pinnacle of the day arose from moving testimonials shared by Archway alumni, parents, and recovery professionals. Each account painted a vivid picture of challenges transformed into triumphs, illustrating the critical role Archway has played in rebuilding lives. Through a blend of academic rigor and recovery support, the school fosters both academic achievement and profound personal growth. These heartfelt accounts revealed the strength of community, resilience, and the unwavering dedication of the staff.

"This school is more than just a place for education—it’s a lifeline," said one alumnus. "I don’t know where I’d be today without Archway."

The fundraiser exceeded expectations, yielding more than $140,000 to support the school’s programs. This equates to nearly 20 scholarships, ensuring that students from all financial backgrounds can benefit from Archway’s life-saving initiatives.

Among the 260 attendees were George Joseph, CEO of Positive Recovery Centers and Common Bond; Ally and Randy Lack, Sally and John Fenoglio, George Youngblood of Teen and Family Services, Rebekah and Hugh Guill of the Guill Family Foundation, and Pinkerton's Barbecue owners Sarah and Grant Pinkerton. Sponsors include H-E-B, Origin Bank, Linbeck Group, Luna Recovery Services, and Family First.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Tosha Washington, Jomoso Wilson, Isabell Scott, and David Claunch.

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long live the king

Texas Renaissance Festival founder George Coulam has died at 87

Film still from Ren Faire

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George Coulam, the founder and owner of the Texas Renaissance festival, was found dead in his home on Tuesday. He was 87, according to media reports.

Coulam’s death comes two weeks after a Grimes County judge found against him, forcing the sale of the festival to new owner Meril Rivard. Although untimely, Coulam’s death is unlikely to affect the new ownership deal, according to Anthony Laporte, lead counsel on the case.

“Because this deal is primarily with corporate entities, everything should progress without too much interruption,” Laporte tells CultureMap. “Obviously this is a sad day for those of us who knew George. We all mourn together, but it is unlikely to affect the way the new Renaissance Festival deal proceeds.

Rivard issued a brief statement following the news.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of George Coulam,” it reads. “Our thoughts go out to his loved ones. Like everyone else who loves the Texas Renaissance Festival, we remain committed to ensuring that the festival lives on, and we are working steadfastly to make that happen.”

The Texas Renaissance Festival also issued a statement.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of George Coulam, founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival. For more than 50 years, he built a community that has become a cherished tradition for generations of performers, staff, and guests.

At this time, we ask for respect and privacy for Mr. Coulam’s family and the extended Texas Renaissance Festival family as they grieve. As this is a deeply personal matter, we are not offering additional comments at this time.

The cause of death is currently unknown. Grimes County sheriffs were notified of his death at 9 am Tuesday morning. Bystanders reported seeing an ambulance leave Coulam’s home, which is known as Stargate Manor. The Navasota Examiner, which was first to report the news, includes an account of gunshots being heard near the home.

Regardless of the circumstances, Laporte said that after the recent judgment that forced the sale, everyone, including Coulam, seemed relieved and happy that the matter had been resolved.

Coulam’s death ends a long and sometimes toxic reign over the Texas Renaissance Festival. Over the past two decades, Coulam was sued multiple times for sexual harassment of employees. The HBO docuseries Ren Faire showcased Coulam’s mercurial nature in dealing with potential buyers of the festival while also offering glimpses into his “sugar daddy” dating life.

Following the release of Ren Faire, several corporate entities sued Coulam for breach of contract. The case came to a close this month, with a judge saying the $60 million sale must go through. Coulam also owes Rivard and the other plaintiffs $22 million in damages and $1 million in lawyer fees.

As CultureMap has previously reported, the Texas Renaissance Festival is expected to proceed as planned, with an opening in October 2025.

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