Obra D. Tompkins High School

“Four thousand students. Can you imagine the energy?” a student whispers, adjusting her backpack. We stand before Obra D. Tompkins High School, a vibrant hub of activity in Katy, Texas. Obra D. Tompkins High School opened its doors in 2013. It was built to address the overcrowding at nearby Seven Lakes High School, which was bursting at the seams with nearly 4,000 students. Initially, Obra D. Tompkins High School welcomed only freshmen and sophomores. But by 2015, it housed a full complement of grades 9 through 12. The school is named after a respected educator who dedicated 35 years to the Katy Independent School District. Obra D. Tompkins, the man, served as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal at Mayde Creek High School. He was known for his student-centered approach and commitment to high standards. Obra D. Tompkins High School mirrors this philosophy. The sprawling 610,000-square-foot campus sits on a 98-acre plot. Its design is strikingly similar to Seven Lakes High School, and it was built to accommodate up to 4,000 students. Gilbane Building Co. constructed the facility, based on a design by PBK Architects. Students here hail from a network of feeder schools, including Davidson, Jenks, Shafer, Wilson, WoodCreek, Kilpatrick, and Rylander Elementary Schools. The junior high feeder schools include WoodCreek Junior High, Tays Junior High, and Cinco Ranch Junior High. Obra D. Tompkins High School has already produced some notable alumni. Bárbara Olivieri, a professional soccer player for the Houston Dash and the Venezuelan women’s national team, graced these halls. So did Jalen Milroe, a college football quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Interestingly, the school also has a strong community service program, encouraging students to give back to the Katy area. This focus on community engagement echoes the values of Obra D. Tompkins himself.