September 03, 2024 – Rosenberg, Texas – Lamar CISD celebrated the opening of Willie Melton Elementary School during a dedication ceremony held last Friday morning—welcoming one of four new campuses in the district for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The home of the Manta Rays is in the Jordan Ranch community in Fulshear, Texas and named after Willie Melton Sr., a successful farmer and expert in animal husbandry remembered as a civil rights pioneer for his role in the 1953 U.S. Supreme Court case Terry vs. Adams, which helped ensure the voting rights of all Americans.
“As our school community continues to grow, we’d like to stop and reflect on the now while at the same time honoring our past and those whose work and sacrifices contributed so much to our community and our world,” Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens said. “On behalf of Lamar CISD, we will cherish the memory of Willie Melton Sr. both for his pioneering work in Civil Rights and his commitment to the good of future generations.”
Melton Principal Laura Haugvoll shared remarks during the ceremony, where she thanked her family, the campus leadership team, as well as all teachers and staff who helped launch the new school. Principal Haugvoll was recognized as the 2023-2024 Elementary Principal of the Year for the district. She has more than 31 years of experience in education and has been with Lamar CISD for 19 years.
“We are proud to be representing Willie Melton,” Haugvoll said. “I’m so excited to be principal here at Melton Elementary.”
More than 30 members of the extended Melton family and friends attended the celebratory event, where they spoke to campus staff and students about the legacy of their school’s namesake.
One of the featured speakers during the program was Franklin Melton, the last living son of Willie Melton Sr. He spoke with admiration of his father’s generosity and quiet good-naturedness, his love for playing checkers with family and friends, and his ability to see others as equals. “He was just a beautiful man, and he was always kind,” Melton said of his late father. “He addressed all men as brothers, even though he knew their names."
Cameron Melton, a great-granddaughter of Willie Melton Sr., was also in attendance and said she hoped his story would inspire students as it inspired her while growing up.
“I’m an attorney now,” Cameron said. “To follow in his footsteps and make sure I keep it going forward. It’s amazing being here today.”
Lamar CISD thanks the building sponsors, including VLK Architects, Drymalla Construction, and Jordan Ranch/Johnson Development.
To view pictures, please click HERE.