Lake Highlands Elementary, 9501 Ferndale, opened its doors 40 years ago, making it the first RISD school in our neighborhood.

Last month, students, parents and faculty celebrated the school’s birthday at the PTA’s annual back-to-school picnic. More than 500 hot dogs were consumed during the event.

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Lake Highlands Elementary began instruction in October 1955 with only six classes. By 1962, student population was about 600, and in the early 1970s, enrollment peaked, reaching nearly 1.000 students.

Today, the school has 660 students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.

The birthday picnic also celebrated the school’s high scores on last spring’s Texas Assessment of Academic Standards. Lake Highlands Elementary was the only neighborhood school to be recognized by the Texas Education Agency for its 1994-95 scores.

Cheering for Lake Highlands

Several neighborhood students are cheerleading for the Lake Highlands Wildcat Athletic Association during its 1995-96 football season.

The association was founded in 1975 for neighborhood children who feed into Lake Highlands High School. During football season, the association plays four games each Saturday. Home games are at the high schools B field, and the public is welcome.

This year’s flag cheerleaders (ages 4 to 6) are Natalie Gore, Michelle Smith, Kari Kennedy and Tricia Lovvorn.

The 1A cheerleaders (ages 7 to 8) are Haley Waterman, Courtney Hall, Katie Crawford, Catherine Marr, Taylor Inman, Laura Wilson and Hope Carey.

The 2A cheerleaders (ages 9 to 10) are Lindsey Crouse, Noelle Debenport, Kate Bourland, Ashley Artice, Lindsay Wyne, Cori Higbee, Laura Toon, Nicole Gore, Kristy Emmrich, Jennifer Scoggins, Kristi Redford and Nicole Adams.

The 3A cheerleaders (ages 11 to 13) are Taylor Lovvorn, Katherine Richardson, Whitney Mildren, Natalie Emmrich, Meredith Wilson, Jordan Jacobs, Elizabeth Toon, Megan Jahnke, Hillary Herman, Katie Wilson, Erin Abney and Brooke Sibley. Cheerleader director is Kathy Shuler.

Camp was held for the cheerleaders this summer at the Lake Highlands Recreation Center. The varsity cheerleading squad from the high school, sponsored by Patty Rawlins, taught the camp.

For information about the athletic association, call Glynne Mildren at 553-0561.