Photo by Shawn Arrajj

A marker commemorating Cy-Fair ISD's 75th anniversary was unveiled in front of Cy-Fair High School Dec. 9.

Members of the Cy-Fair ISD community gathered with civic leaders Dec. 9 for the unveiling of a commemorative marker at Cy-Fair High School. The event was held exactly 75 years after Cypress and Fairbanks communities voted to unite as one school district in 1939.

"With its iconic dash, Cy-Fair symbolizes a union of a community centered around a school system," Superintendent Mark Henry said, addressing the crowd. "This entire year is a celebration of who we are, how far we've come and where we are going. Our students have more opportunity available to them today than ever before."

The large, stone marker, located in front of Cy-Fair High School, features a plaque engraved with details on the district's history, including the founding of the high school. Cy-Fair High School was the first school built after the two districts merged, solidifying the union.

"Over the years, we've grown to 80-plus schools, but we are still one district, and we are family, all of us," CFISD Trustee Bob Covey said to the crowd.

A collection of educators and building namesakes who were instrumental in shaping the district were honored at the event as "diamonds of CFISD history." Namesakes Charles Goodson, Ben Bradley and Shelly Hancock participated in the unveiling of the stone marker.

Each honoree was presented with a commemorative diamond-shaped emblem. Henry described honorees as individuals who embody the district theme: "Lead the Way."

"I always tell people that Cy-Fair is the smallest big district you'll ever find," Henry said. "One of the key reasons for this is because everyone pitches in, just like you see in smaller communities. This is a prime example of that today."

The event was held as a part of the district's yearlong 75th anniversary celebration. Several other celebratory events are planned for later in the school year, including a Jan. 26 reception featuring the release of a book of original art and literature by CFISD students. The community is also invited to attend an Apr. 25 anniversary festival with student performances, a parade and fireworks.

Over the years, CFISD has grown into the third biggest school district in Texas and the 22nd biggest in the U.S. with more then 113,000 students, 14,000 employees and 86 campuses.

"No matter how big we grow, we will never lose sight of how we started and the sense of community that defines our 75-year history," Henry said.