Principal Katherine Rearick’s words echo in my mind “We get ALL Rayburn Texans college career and WORLD ready”. Welcome to Sam Rayburn High School. This impressive institution opened its doors in 1964. It’s named after Samuel Rayburn a Texan and Speaker of the US House of Representatives for 17 years. The school’s first principal was Carter Lomax. Its first football coach was James O’Neil.
Rayburn Texans have a rich history. The original mascot was Yosemite Sam. However a copyright issue forced a change. The current mascot is the Texan. This change happened in 2007 after over 43 years of Yosemite Sam.
Rayburn’s athletic programs boast considerable success. Baseball holds the distinction of winning a UIL state championship. The boys soccer team claimed their first district title in over a decade back in 2014. The school’s cheerleading and drill team the Tex-Anns have also achieved national recognition. The school has a fierce rivalry with Pasadena High School. This annual contest is known as the Pride Bowl. Rayburn even held a winning streak for six consecutive years. Deer Park High School was another significant rival until district realignment in 2012.
Academically Rayburn offers rigorous programs. Students explore a wide range of subjects. Award-winning arts and CTE programs are also available. Numerous electives and extracurricular activities cater to diverse interests. Rayburn’s PRIDE values Preparation Respect Integrity Dependability and Excellence guide its community. These are not just words they are the foundation of character development.
The school has undergone renovations and expansion in the early 2000s. A new competitive gymnasium opened in September 2013 thanks to a 2011 bond election. Rayburn serves grades 9-12. Its student body is predominantly Hispanic. The school’s location is 2121 Cherrybrook Pasadena Texas 77502. It’s a significant part of the Pasadena Independent School District. Rayburn’s story is one of academic excellence athletic prowess and community pride. It’s a testament to the dedication of its students faculty staff and community. Let’s continue the tour.