Humble ISD marks centennial with sparks
Joel Osteen, one of Humble ISD’s most well-known graduates, was among the featured speakers Saturday evening at the district’s centennial celebration, and Lakewood Church’s senior pastor recalled running around the track at George Turner Stadium and attending football games as a youth.
“To me, tonight is about looking back and remembering those that have sown into our lives for the last 100 years and also to celebrate the people that are helping us today,” said Osteen, who graduated in 1981 from Humble High School.
Other speakers at the event, Humble ISD: 100 Years in the Making, included Humble Mayor Merle Aaron, Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen and state Rep. Dan Huberty, who serves on the House Public Education Committee.
At the end of his speech, the mayor proclaimed Saturday as Humble Independent 100th-Year Anniversary Day and commended the close relationship between the city and the school district.
Humble ISD, like the city, was named for one of its first residents, Pleasant Smith Humble, who settled in the 1880s. The city was also the home of Humble Oil and Refining Co., which later became Exxon Mobil.
“We expect the future to be even better — the future to be something we can look back in 100 years and say, ‘Boy, we did a good job!’ ” Aaron said.
Huberty presented two resolutions when he got on stage: One was on behalf of the Texas House of Representatives, and the other from Gov. Greg Abbott. He presented the former to Charles Cunningham, Humble ISD’s president, and read the latter to the crowd.
He said the event was a great way to celebrate the area’s “past, present and future” and noted that growth has always been Humble’s great company.
“The district has come a long way, and the work that they’re doing today for the kids is phenomenal,” Huberty said. “It will continue to be innovative, to grow. It’s exciting.”
Fagen praised teachers, parents, business leaders, officials and members of the community.
“As we take on 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, have my own children educated in,” Fagen said.
Live entertainment was also part of the event; chief among them was musician and Kingwood High School alumnus Gary Kyle and his band, The Kins. Prior to a medley of songs from his discography, he began his performance with a cover of “God Bless the U.S.A.” with a notable emphasis on the lyrics’ Houston reference.
As the skies turned dark, a fireworks show began and capped off the event.
“This is an awesome, awesome, awesome event,” said Tiffany Perkins, local resident and River Pines Elementary music teacher. “Congratulations, Humble ISD, for 100 years, and I hope they’ll have 100 more!”