BRENHAM ISD CELEBRATES 150 YEARS OF EDUCATION, HONORS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
Brenham ISD looked back on a century and a half of education and recognized four outstanding graduates today (Friday).
are (from left) Dr. Bennie Graves; Donna Williams;
Beth Stark, accepting on behalf of the late Dr.
Robert Stark; and Dr. Lee Nordt.
The district’s 150th anniversary celebration paid tribute to generations of students, educators and leaders. Commemorative memorabilia was on display at the Blinn College Student Center, where the luncheon was held, from yearbooks and student newspapers to letterman jackets.
Superintendent Clay Gillentine said Brenham ISD holds a distinguished place as the first public school district in the state, and that today is not just a celebration of that longevity, but the legacy it represents.
State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, who was inducted into Brenham ISD’s Distinguished Alumni in 2009, said Washington County’s roots run deep in Texas, and that today’s honorees exemplify the characteristics that make the county the remarkable place it is.
This year’s inductees into the ranks of Brenham ISD’s Distinguished Alumni are Dr. Bennie Graves, Dr. Lee Nordt, the late Dr. Robert Stark, and Donna Williams.
Dr. Bennie Graves (Class of 1986) is currently the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Grants, Resource Development, and Institutional Research and Effectiveness at Blinn College, where he has served for 35 years and received several employee awards. Dr. Graves said he found his purpose in education and that there is always a place for gratitude.
Click below to listen to Dr. Graves' full acceptance speech.
Dr. Lee Nordt (Class of 1974) is the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Baylor University and has performed extensive research in the field of geosciences. Dr. Nordt said he was able to flourish thanks to a community that looked after him and teachers who had a profound influence on him.
Click below to hear Dr. Nordt's complete presentation.
The late Dr. Robert Stark (Class of 1974) served for decades as a medical practitioner and Washington County’s medical director. Accepting the award on Dr. Stark’s behalf was his wife of 34 years, Beth. She spoke on how fitting it is that this recognition coincides with Brenham ISD’s 150th anniversary, as Dr. Stark was very proud of the history and tradition of the school district.
Click below to listen to the full speech from Beth Stark.
Donna Williams (Class of 1981) is a longtime Brenham ISD instructor and coach and a volunteer with numerous community organizations. Williams said to never underestimate the power of a strong foundation and said this award belongs to her just as much as it does to all those who shaped her into who she is today.
Click below to hear Donna Williams' complete remarks.
