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Highlands celebrates new junior high school
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| Members of the Sampson Masonic Lodge No. 231 held a laying of the cornerstone ceremony at the new Highlands Junior School. Pictured is the Lodge’s Grand Master Travis Major of Seabrook. |
By MATT HOLLIS
Highlands community members, and a few former students from years past, came out to celebrate the dedication of the new Highlands Junior School at a special ceremony Oct. 27.
The new school was on the 2005 $220.5 million bond referendum.
“This school is one of many in the district,” said Dr. Barbara Sultis, Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District superintendent. “The growth of our school district and the support of our community in the 2005 bond issue made this new school possible, and today we celebrate this wonderful campus.”
In 2004, the Facilities Planning Committee recommended a new and larger Highlands Junior School. They performed a district-wide assessment and studied buildings in Goose Creek ISD. Sultis said the committee studied the increase in growth in the area from 1999 to 2004 as well as demographic projections. She said they expected a growth of 23,000 by 2013.
The original Highlands Junior School was opened in September 1958 with a staff of 21 and a student enrollment of 279. The new Highlands Junior School has more than 1,000 students and has a staff numbering 85.
“This is a very exciting time for students and staff at Highlands Junior,” said Steve Herring, HJS principal. “Many residents who once attended classes here now have children - even grandchildren - who go to school here now or will do so in the next few years. For five decades, Highlands Junior has been the hub of this community, serving not just as a place at which area students learn, but also as a gathering place for citizens for a wide range of special events. There’s no doubt that many wonderful memories have been made here.”
Ten principals have served as head of HJS since 1958. They are Bonnie P. Harper, the school’s first principal, Homer Morris, Charles Closs, Herman Boatman, Jerry Roy, Carol Fontenot, Charles Polk, Santos Lopez and Dick Duggan. Herring has served the past six years.
The new school measures 168,000 square feet. The original science building remains, and it has a new 650-seat auditorium.
“By building new and replacement schools, making improvements districtwide, purchasing new buses and technology advancements, we are moving in a positive direction with the goal of ‘Success for All Students,’” Herring said. “Thanks to all of you who made the 2005 bond program possible. I’d also like to say a special thank you to our Partner in Education, Community Toyota/Scion, for the company’s continued generosity and support of our campus.”
Herring also thanked the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, the Highlands Junior Homecoming Committee, the Highlands Sports Association, Highlands Horizons; and the Sampson Masonic Lodge, No. 231 of Highlands for helping to fund the school’s digital marquee.
Members of the Sampson Masonic Lodge, No. 231 performed the laying of the cornerstone ceremony, a long held tradition in dedicating new buildings. The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Texas Tommy Griffin led the ceremony.
HJS students Emily Brown and Ricky Arcilla led the Pledge of Allegiance for the United States and Texas, respectively. The Highlands Junior Choir, led by Tonya Callahan, sang the school’s alma mater.
Gilbert Santana, who served as facilitator of the Facilities Planning Committee and served on the Citizens Bond Advisory Committee, was given a special plaque on behalf of the school.
After the dedication, audience members were treated to a reception and a tour of the new school.
The new school was on the 2005 $220.5 million bond referendum.
“This school is one of many in the district,” said Dr. Barbara Sultis, Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District superintendent. “The growth of our school district and the support of our community in the 2005 bond issue made this new school possible, and today we celebrate this wonderful campus.”
In 2004, the Facilities Planning Committee recommended a new and larger Highlands Junior School. They performed a district-wide assessment and studied buildings in Goose Creek ISD. Sultis said the committee studied the increase in growth in the area from 1999 to 2004 as well as demographic projections. She said they expected a growth of 23,000 by 2013.
The original Highlands Junior School was opened in September 1958 with a staff of 21 and a student enrollment of 279. The new Highlands Junior School has more than 1,000 students and has a staff numbering 85.
“This is a very exciting time for students and staff at Highlands Junior,” said Steve Herring, HJS principal. “Many residents who once attended classes here now have children - even grandchildren - who go to school here now or will do so in the next few years. For five decades, Highlands Junior has been the hub of this community, serving not just as a place at which area students learn, but also as a gathering place for citizens for a wide range of special events. There’s no doubt that many wonderful memories have been made here.”
Ten principals have served as head of HJS since 1958. They are Bonnie P. Harper, the school’s first principal, Homer Morris, Charles Closs, Herman Boatman, Jerry Roy, Carol Fontenot, Charles Polk, Santos Lopez and Dick Duggan. Herring has served the past six years.
The new school measures 168,000 square feet. The original science building remains, and it has a new 650-seat auditorium.
“By building new and replacement schools, making improvements districtwide, purchasing new buses and technology advancements, we are moving in a positive direction with the goal of ‘Success for All Students,’” Herring said. “Thanks to all of you who made the 2005 bond program possible. I’d also like to say a special thank you to our Partner in Education, Community Toyota/Scion, for the company’s continued generosity and support of our campus.”
Herring also thanked the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, the Highlands Junior Homecoming Committee, the Highlands Sports Association, Highlands Horizons; and the Sampson Masonic Lodge, No. 231 of Highlands for helping to fund the school’s digital marquee.
Members of the Sampson Masonic Lodge, No. 231 performed the laying of the cornerstone ceremony, a long held tradition in dedicating new buildings. The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Texas Tommy Griffin led the ceremony.
HJS students Emily Brown and Ricky Arcilla led the Pledge of Allegiance for the United States and Texas, respectively. The Highlands Junior Choir, led by Tonya Callahan, sang the school’s alma mater.
Gilbert Santana, who served as facilitator of the Facilities Planning Committee and served on the Citizens Bond Advisory Committee, was given a special plaque on behalf of the school.
After the dedication, audience members were treated to a reception and a tour of the new school.
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