Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman
Former Ross S. Sterling teachers, who taught at the school when it opened in 1966, reunite with their principal at the recent 50th Anniversary celebration. Pictured are (from left) retired RSS faculty members Woody Walker, teacher and basketball coach; Mary Lee Bartlett, P.E. teacher; Barbara McClintock, biology teacher and Ed Wachtel, principal.
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Spectacular Celebration for RSS 50th Anniversary
By Susan Passmore
The spectacular Ross S. Sterling High School 50th Anniversary celebration provided something for everyone. A celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Game between RSS and Robert E. Lee High School was held September 2. Thanks to the GCCISD Maintenance Department, the cornerstone at RSS was removed September 30, revealing a time capsule that contained numerous items, including a note from the first RSS principal Winne Brown. Students and staff provided videos, pictures, newspaper articles and other memorabilia to be placed back in the time capsule, along with some of the original items, to be opened in 50 years.
October 7 began with pep rallies at RSS and Goose Creek Memorial live on the FOX Channel 26 Houston morning show, hosted by reporters Sally MacDonald at RSS and Nate Griffin at GCM. A spirited pep rally that afternoon at RSS preceded the 50th Anniversary Program at 4 p.m., which included a performance by the RSS Alumni Swing Choir Ensemble; special remarks by Al Richard, president of the GCCISD Board of Trustees; performances by the Star field officers, the varsity cheerleaders, and the RSS Swing Choir; reflections and introductions by Principal Nathan Chaddick, a 1987 RSS graduate; a proclamation from the City of Baytown designating October 7 as “Ross S. Sterling High School Day” and the RSS Fight Song. Although Winnie Brown died in 1998, the other former principals – Ed Wachtel, Jimmy Creel, Frank Hutchins, Trey Kraemer, Don Beck, Kevin Foxworth and Nathan Chaddick – attended the program. Former players were also honored at the RSS volleyball game.
After the program, a reception in the Commons gave guests the opportunity to view the items set up by decade in a structure built by students, staff and parents to resemble the front of the school. The RSS Alumni Orchestra played, and the Cheryl Evans Alumni Art Show was set up in the alcove off the Commons.
In homecoming pre-game activities, Katie Guy, RSS drum major and student body president, escorted by her father, Gary Guy, RSS graduate and now principal at Highlands Junior school, was announced as homecoming queen for 2016. Former students as well as alumni cheerleaders and Stars were recognized, and the cheerleaders and Stars performed with current students during halftime. Anyone wearing a 50th Anniversary t-shirt was asked to be part of the “50” formation on the field. Halftime ended with a large fireworks display. After the game, the RSS marching band performed.
Kelley Start and Whitney Lowery, RSS graduates and teachers, coordinated the 50th Anniversary events. Special thanks go to Awards & Engraving, Diamond Sponsor; Angel Brothers Enterprises and Bee Hive, Ltd., Gold Sponsors; Baytown Dance Company, Hard’s Marine Service, Anchor Printing; Jeff Stroble, Butch and Kathy Minter; Krisher-McKay, Inc. Realtors; Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital; Community Bank of Texas and Wiz Kids Daycare, the Baytown Sun and Academy, Silver Sponsors. Sapphire Sponsors were Lowe’s; Randal O’Brien, GCCISD superintendent; David and Sally Black; Terry Huron; Jack and Kim Baker; Kaleah Hicks; Chuck and Therese Ruff; Jimmy and Whitney Lowery and Zac and Kelley Start.