TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Independent School District’s newest campus has now been officially selected as the site for historical markers honoring the accomplishments of both of the school’s namesakes. Sampson-Howard Elementary School opened this fall as the first brand new facility in Temple ISD in more than 25 years and serves as a Fine Arts Academy. The campus is named in honor of longtime educators Cornelius Carl Sampson and Durward and Jean Howard. The district recently received notification that a state historical marker honoring Durward and Jean Howard has officially been approved for the site by the Texas Historical Commission. A state historical marker recognizing Sampson was approved by the commission earlier this year.
“We all stand on the shoulders of those that came before us,” said Dr. Bobby Ott, superintendent of Temple schools. “The Howard family set the standard for fine arts and humanities instruction in Temple ISD. This historical marker will serve as a reminder of who pioneered these statewide reputable programs born right here in Temple, Texas.”
Durward and Jean Howard were both teachers at Temple High School. Durward Howard joined THS in January of 1948 as band and orchestra director. During his tenure, the THS band played during halftime for the Dallas Cowboys and participated in the New Year’s Day performance at the Cotton Bowl. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Temple Starlighters jazz band, now known as the Highlighters. In 1979, Durward Howard was named the first ever Director of Fine Arts and Humanities for Temple ISD. Jean Howard was a long-time civics and social studies teacher at Temple High School. In 1971, the Howards cofounded the THS Humanities class and taught together until Durward’s retirement in 1984. The Humanities class combined art, music, literature, and drama for THS seniors. Both Howards also participated in numerous local civic organizations that worked to make fine arts available to the Temple community. Central Texas historian Patricia Benoit approached the district with the idea of applying for state historical markers to honor the Howards and Sampson and she also did much of the legwork in submitting them for recognition. The marker recognizing the Howards will be paid for through a generous donation from Temple High School alum Guy Fowler. Fowler served as band president and percussion section leader with Durward Howard directing the THS Wildcat Band.
“Naming campuses and facilities is something that the board considers very thoughtfully, and we want our building’s namesakes to represent our community and serve as role models for the children who enter them,” said Dan Posey. Temple ISD trustee – District 3, and president of the TISD board of trustees. “The State Historical Commission’s decision to approve markers honoring the legacies of both Durward and Jean Howard and Cornelius Carl Sampson serves as continued validation of the choice in naming Sampson-Howard Elementary School. We are extremely grateful to be able to recognize their lasting impact on Temple ISD in this manner and are very thankful for the hard work and generosity of the community members who assisted the district in pursuing these historical markers.”
The Texas Historical Commission approved the marker for Sampson earlier this year through the organization’s Undertold Markers program. Sampson was a Temple native and graduated as valedictorian of the Temple Negro School in 1915. He would go on to serve as principal and in a variety of other roles at Dunbar Junior/Senior High School and played a significant role in integrating the school system and expanding civil rights to all minorities while working in Corpus Christi.
The construction of Sampson-Howard Elementary was approved by voters as part of Bond 2022. The campus opened its doors in August and is serving more than 600 students as the only elementary Fine Arts Academy in Central Texas.