More than 1,000 people gathered at Humble ISD’s Turner Stadium on the Humble High School campus on Saturday evening, Feb. 16 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the district. From the moment the colors were presented by the Humble High School RJOTC and the national anthem was sung by the Woodcreek Middle School Choir, the crowd received a real treat. Students from River Pines Elementary School led cheers and danced in choreographed celebration. A video of the history of Humble captured the attention of everyone when it was shown on the huge end-zone video screen. Humble High School graduate of 1981, Pastor Joel Osteen, delivered a rousing keynote address. Community officials spoke and presented proclamations. Music followed the speeches and it was all capped off with a dazzling fireworks display. It was an evening to remember!
Osteen, the nationally known televangelist pastor of Lakewood Church, spoke about the importance of community and working together. He described how Humble ISD was a critical part of his life as he grew up. He summed up the accomplishments of the past by looking to the future.
He said, “It’s awesome to be with you tonight and it’s good to see some old friends and old schoolmates. I have many memories here ... To me the night is about looking back and remembering those that were sewn into a part of our lives in the last 100 years.”
Osteen reminisced about his own experiences, including as a short 5-foot, 6-inch basketball player his freshman year and how he was bolstered by Coach Cooper to be the best that he could be and look toward the future. He said Cooper made him feel like he was 7 feet tall and could do anything on that basketball court. Osteen concluded his talk by saying, “The next hundred years is going to be even better.”
Other speakers included City of Humble Mayor Merle Aaron, State Rep. Dan Huberty and Humble ISD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Fagen. Each provided remarks about the history of the district. Aaron and Huberty also presented proclamations.
Aaron, himself a graduate of Humble High School, presented the district with a proclamation from the City of Humble that declared Feb. 16, 2019 to be “Humble ISD 100-Year Anniversary Day.”
Huberty, a former Humble ISD board trustee, presented two proclamations: one on behalf of the Texas House of Representatives and one from Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott.
Fagen spoke to the crowd on behalf of the district about the importance of the occasion and the support of the community.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants in Humble ISD, a gift to us as we go forward,” she said as she thanked the teachers, parents, business leaders, officials and members of the community who always prioritize the children. Fagen emphasized her appreciation of their efforts, saying, “As we go into the next 100 years, I want you to know that this is the most incredible school district community that I’ve ever had the opportunity to be a part of or have my own children educated in.”
With the speeches over, the six-piece band of 1995 Kingwood High School graduate Gary Kyle and The Kin assumed the stage and played great music into the evening as the crowd relaxed and waited for the beauty of the closing fireworks display. The crowd was not disappointed by either the music or the fireworks.
A full history of Humble ISD’s first 100 years can be found on the internet at humbleisd.net/history.
