Remember the name Moses Campbell Judson. Judson High School and the entire Judson Independent School District carry his name. He served on the Bexar County School Board. That was from 1918 to 1939. His nephew, Jack Judson, later sat on the board. He was there when the decision was made to honor his uncle. The new rural high school would be named Judson High School.
Now, let’s step back in time. It’s 1959. Judson High School opens its doors. It becomes the first of three comprehensive high schools in Judson ISD. For years Judson High School was divided. Freshmen and sophomores roamed the Gray Campus. Juniors and seniors occupied the Red Campus. This unusual setup lasted until 2010. Before that Judson High School only housed grades 10 through 12. Middle schools supported grades 7 through 9. These changes were due to the area’s rapid growth.
Today, Judson High School is different. All departments are in one building. Except for the agriculture facilities. The original Red Campus buildings? Gone. They were razed in 2011. New athletic fields and tennis courts took their place. The Gray Campus transformed. It became Judson Middle School.
Judson High School isn’t just about academics. Athletics play a huge role. The Judson Rockets have a legacy of state championships. Football stands out with six titles. Track and field boasts three. Boys basketball has one. The football program is a perennial powerhouse. Since 1977, the Rockets have dominated. Their first state championship came in 1983.
Coach D.W. Rutledge led the Rockets until 2000. His record? An impressive 198-31-5. He took the team to seven state championship games. He secured four state titles. The football stadium now bears his name. It is a tribute to his legacy. Judson High School holds a Texas state record. It has 47 consecutive winning seasons from 1977 through 2023. That is an achievement to be proud of.
Do you know about the Judson ISD Performing Arts Center? It opened in 1998. It houses the band, choir, orchestra, and drama classes. It features a recital hall. It seats 216 people. The auditorium is larger. It can hold 840. The Judson ISD Performing Arts Center connects to Judson High School. It is connected via a vestibule.
Judson High School is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a community. It’s a place where students become productive citizens. It instills Rocket Pride. It honors the past. It lights the way for future Rockets. Judson High School strives for academic excellence. It creates a learning environment. It’s a place where students can truly excel. Judson High School is also the second oldest International Baccalaureate World School in Texas. It has been since 1985.
Remember notable alumni like Mike Azzaro, the polo player and Eric Brown, the NFL player. Karen Wagner, who died at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. They all walked these halls. They are part of the Judson High School story. They exemplify Rocket Pride.