Eagles getting ready to land in their new nest
July 7, 2009
Click to enlarge.
PEARLAND — It seems hard to believe that it was just two years ago that the new Glenda Dawson High School opened her doors. Despite being the new kid on the block -- it hasn't taken long for principal David Moody and his staff to see the coaches, teaching staff, students, and parents begin to develop pride in their new school.
The temporary home has been at the Pearland Ninth Grade Center -- but it will be only a few more weeks before everything is moved to the new Dawson High School located on Cullen Boulevard.
For those who knew Glenda Dawson personally -- one can't help believe she would be overwhelmed to see the elegant, charming structure that personifies the kind of person Glenda Dawson was in life.
As the students enter the modern and beautiful structure -- there is no doubt that there will be a warm reverence and unspeakable presence of Dawson's genuine spirit of making education a priority for every young man and woman who seeks to better themselves through the educational process.
As a committed teacher for 30 years at Pearland ISD -- Dawson accepted the challenge of becoming a Texas State Representative. Her purpose wasn't to become a professional politician -- but to become an educational voice for every young person in Texas. And she fulfilled that commitment til her final days on earth.
Now - her life will be remembered by every student who enters the doors of the new Glenda Dawson High School in August. Her legacy will live on through the hallways and classrooms.
The 2009-2010 school year will produce the first senior class at Dawson High School. The mascot - Eagles - is an example of how Glenda Dawson soared above the status quo and was a "cut above" the norm. It would be her desire to see the first senior graduates mount up with wings as eagles; may they run and not be weary; and may they walk and not faint.
One of the first groups entering the new facility is head football coach Eric Wells and his coaching staff as they are getting ready for the upcoming 2009 football campaign.
The Strength and Conditioning camp is in full swing as over 200 players are participating in the running and weight lifting activities to get into shape to compete for a first-ever football playoff spot.
"The new school is absolutely phenomenal," Wells said. "The first thing I want to do is thank the people of Pearland, who are the tax-payers, for making sure we have a state-of-the-art educational campus. It is incredible and the parents of our students are going to be equally impressed when they walk on campus."
Glenda Dawson loved athletics as well as other organizations on campus. It wasn't unusual to see her at a football game, a band concert, or a drama presentation. If it involved young people -- then she was for it.
There is no question that she would be proud to see the athletic facilites that will give every athlete a first-class opportunity to perform well on the field or in the gym that might open the doors to continue their education and athletic careers at the next level.
"While I am thrilled with our athletic facilities -- people are going to stand in awe when they enter the new school, the new auditorium, " Wells continued. "Everything about this place is top notch."
Wells is excited to finally be getting set up in his permanent home.
"It hasn't been too bad to be in a temporary location," Wells said. "There were some inconveniences, but the overall two years was very positive and now we can enjoy the hard work that went into building this facility."
Wells is anticipating his football team to contend for the playoffs this season. It is no secret that Dawson will be competing in one of the toughest, if not the toughest, 4A district in the state.
As always - the state prognosticators have released the teams they think will advance beyond the regular season. Angleton, Friendswood, Texas City, seem to be the traditional front-runners while new schools Dawson and Manvel are considered in the mix along with La Marque and Brazosport. The only team that most have written off to finish last is Santa Fe.
Angleton won the District 24-4A title last year, but their only loss came at the hands of Dawson. La Marque was 3-6 overall and was never a factor in the district race. Friendswood is the defending 4A Region III champion and advanced to the state semifinals last year and figure to be a district contender with eight defensive and five offensive starters returning. Texas City was young last year and should be in the mix.
Dawson has all their returning starters back as this will be the first senior class in the history of the young school.
Wells has a couple of players who have already given non-binding verbal commitments to play at the next level. Versatile quarterback Darian Lazard has committed to Utah while tailback Xavier Brown has given his choice to UH.
"We are excited to see our first senior class have players that are talented enough to play at the next level," Wells said. "Darian and Xavier should have a great senior season and I'm confident that we have some other players that will get some serious looks from college recruiters."
Dawson posted a 9-1 mark their first year at the junior varsity level. The Eagles were 4-4 in their first year of varsity competition and were in the hunt for a playoff spot entering the final week of the season. Talent, speed, experience, and size should have Dawson in the mix for 2009.