September 10, 2024 – Rosenberg, Texas – Lamar CISD celebrated the opening of Viola Gilmore Randle Elementary School during a dedication ceremony held last Friday morning – welcoming a second elementary campus this month for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The home of the Randle Raptors is in the fast-growing Cross Creek Ranch community in Fulshear, Texas. The new campus honors the legacy of Fulshear native and community leader Viola Gilmore Randle, who was the first African American woman to be elected to the Fulshear City Council and then, in 1993, continued to make history as the Mayor of Fulshear.
“This year’s new campus dedications offer all of us in Lamar CISD an opportunity to honor the past while also looking toward the exciting future of our growing district,” Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens said. “The memory and example of Viola Gilmore Randle will be front-and-center at Randle Elementary, where her life as a successful businesswoman, elected official, and community leader will inspire students to dream big while also looking for ways to serve others.”
During the ceremony, Randle Principal Ernie Bainbridge helped lead students in the school’s “Raptor Roar.” He thanked campus staff, teachers, parents, and students for helping ensure a strong start that honored the legacy of the school’s namesake.
“It’s an opportunity for new beginnings,” Principal Bainbridge said. “The strengths that Ms. Randle had...we want to incorporate those here into our culture – and number one is just that passion for people and that passion for community.”
Principal Bainbridge has more than 15 years of experience in education. He started his career as an elementary art teacher before joining Lamar CISD, then two years as assistant principal and five years as principal at Hubenak Elementary.
Several members of the extended Randle family were also present, including Norman Sterling, a grandson of Viola Gilmore Randle, who made special remarks during the ceremony.
“Ms. Randle had an unwavering faith; she had a love for family and friends; she worked hard and supported her community of Fulshear as a citizen and as a mayor,” Sterling said. “Roar and soar... there are no limits to what you can achieve.”
Torey Gilmore, a great nephew to the school’s namesake, also delivered special remarks, describing Ms. Randle as someone who refused to let challenges and obstacles hold her back.
“Let us never underestimate the power of our roar,” Gilmore told students. “Progress is a process; it's a matter of mindset. Let us take on the spirit that was left by Ms. Randle and continue in greatness and strength. We are Raptors for life!”
Lamar CISD thanks the event sponsors, including VLK Architects, Cross Creek Ranch/Johnson Development Corp., and Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union.
To view pictures, please click HERE.