Here stands James E. Taylor High School a pillar of education. Since 1979, James E. Taylor High School has been a cornerstone of the Katy community. The school is located in unincorporated Harris County not within Katy city limits.
James E. Taylor High School is named after James “Jimmy” Edgar Taylor. He served as superintendent of Katy ISD for 31 years. During his tenure, the district grew significantly. Taylor High School opened its doors on November 26, 1979.
Imagine the buzz on that first day. Students from Katy High School waited eagerly for their new school to be ready. Russel Faldyn a student then recalled the excitement. He later became principal of Miller Career Center in Katy ISD.
James E. Taylor High School quickly became a hub of tradition. A fierce rivalry with Katy High School was born. Students wrote and recited the alma mater with pride. Faldyn remembers getting his first blue football practice uniform.
The Katy area has seen tremendous growth since James E. Taylor High School was built. Fry Road once ended shortly past Kingsland Boulevard. Now it stretches far beyond. The school has also grown. It added a freshman center and a performing arts center between 2000 and 2002.
Traditions remain strong at James E. Taylor High School. A compass rose in the Commons serves as a daily meeting spot. Students gather there for lunch. Wallace Hall ensured its precise placement pointing to True North.
The Athletic Booster Club gifted the school a mascot in October 1980. Colonel a white mustang became an iconic symbol. He now resides in the Performing Arts Center lobby. Major another mascot stands in the main entrance.
James E. Taylor High School boasts impressive academic achievements. It was a Blue Ribbon School in 1996. The school’s motto is “Think Work Grow”. In 2022, U.S. News & World Report ranked it among the top high schools in the nation.
The James E. Taylor High School Academic Decathlon team has achieved national recognition. They were national champions in 1997 and 2000. They also secured several state championships. The school has excelled in UIL academics winning state titles in social studies spelling and computer science.
James E. Taylor High School students have also excelled in engineering and science. They have won state programming championships and international computer science competitions.
Athletics is another area where James E. Taylor High School shines. The tennis team has won multiple state championships. The girls’ soccer team claimed the state title in 2006. The swimming and diving teams have also achieved state-level success.
Many notable alumni have walked the halls of James E. Taylor High School. Janeane Garofalo the comedian and actress is an alumna. Mark Matejka the guitarist for Lynyrd Skynyrd also attended Taylor. Renee O’Connor known for her role in Xena: Warrior Princess is another notable graduate. Several alumni have gone on to play professional sports. These include Trevor Enders Eugene Espineli and Otito Ogbonnia.
James E. Taylor High School continues to inspire. It provides direction like the compass rose. Students strive for their goals through their own efforts. The James E. Taylor High School spirit endures. Mustangs fight.