Close to 600 family members, friends, school administrators, community members, parents and students gathered on Sunday, Oct. 2, to dedicate Aldine ISDs newest middle school, Plummer Middle School.
The school is named after former Deputy Superintendent Willman J. Bill Plummer, who dedicated 36 years of his life to the students and staff of Aldine ISD. Plummer retired in 2003, and in May of 2005, the Aldine ISD Board of Education unanimously voted to name the districts ninth middle school in his honor.
Plummer began his educational career in Aldine ISD in 1967 as a physical education teacher and coach at Drew Junior High School (now Drew Academy). Seven years later, he accepted an assignment as an assistant principal at that same school. In 1975, his leadership and organizational skills caught the attention of Aldine ISDs administration when he was named director of buildings and properties. In 1981, he was promoted to executive director of buildings and construction and in 1986 he continued his rise as one of the districts foremost leaders when he was named assistant superintendent of buildings and construction, a position he held for 13 years until he was named the districts deputy superintendent of operations.
The dedication ceremony began with a welcome from Plummer Middle School principal Luis Pratts. Following Pratts welcome, Plummer Middles LOTC color guard presented the colors. Plummer students Jerlisha Williams and Anam Ahktar led the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the Texas Flag, respectively. Plummer teacher EmmyLou Ramirez then sang the National Anthem, which was followed by the playing of America the Beautiful by the Plummer Middle band. The Plummer Show and Performing Choir then sang The Rose, which was followed by the invocation given by Rev. Rawlin B. Enette of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church.
After the audience was treated to a video performance produced by Plummer Middle teacher Nick Kesler, AISD Board of Education President Rick Ogden then accepted the school on behalf of the board. Following Ogdens acceptance, Plummer students Royce Brooks, Bryan Walker, Tannia Rivas, Kristie Vasquez and Maria Bello accepted the school on behalf of the student body. Parent and PTA member Guillermina Gil accepted the school on behalf of the parents, while Lisa Smith of Washington Mutual accepted the school on behalf of the business community. Plummer teacher Debra Jones accepted the school on behalf of the Plummer staff.
It was then time for the man of the hour to deliver his response. Plummer thanked the board for naming the school in his honor and a host of former colleagues, including current Superintendent Nadine Kujawa, former Superintendents M.B. Sonny Donaldson and M.O. Campbell, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Archie Blanson, Assistant Superintendent and General Counsel Jonathan Hantke and a host of others for their support over the years.
Plummer also acknowledged his late wife Anne for her support in helping him succeed as an educator, along with his two daughters and late son. He also thanked the numerous family members who were on hand to share in his joy.
He added he was fortunate to work in the same district for more than four decades.
I came to Aldine 38 years ago and never looked back, he said. The Good Lord placed me in the midst of good people and I am thankful for that.
Plummer than challenged the students in the audience to take advantage of the tools they have been given to make the most of their lives.
Study hard, find good role models and good friends, he said. Give yourself a good foundation.
The dedication ceremony concluded with students Ronald Edwards and Tyresha Henix unveiling Plummers portrait and closing remarks from Superintendent Kujawa. U.S. Congresswoman Shelia Jackson-Lee also attended the ceremony and presented Plummer with a Congressional certificate.
Plummer also received gifts from the Plummer Middle football team, a sketch from art student Carlos Peraaza and a song performed by choir director Megan Truelson.