Located in north Houston, Patrick Henry Middle School serves just over 900 6-8th graders. Of those students, 98% are students of color, 95% are economically disadvantaged, and one-third are labeled as having English as a second language. From high teacher turnover to limited school funding, nearly all of the major issues in public education intersect at the school. 

To an outsider, Patrick Henry might appear as your quintessential failing school. Designated as “Improvement Required” by Houston Independent School District, Patrick Henry was the third-lowest ranked middle school in the district by Children at Risk, a Texas non-profit, in 2015.  

However, this image of Patrick Henry is both unfair and incomplete. For those of us that work there, we know that this labeling writes off far too many hardworking, thoughtful, and intelligent students; students who attend the school through no fault or choice of their own and excel despite their surroundings. These are exactly the sorts of students that deserve our recognition, and the sorts of students for whom teachers enter education.

In an effort to recognize and celebrate some of these students for their achievements and to help further their future academic goals, four 8th grade teachers inaugurated the Patrick Henry Sciences and Humanities Honor Society. Applications were open to all 8th grade students who had at least a 3.25 GPA, exhibited leadership qualities on campus, and completed the application in its entirety — essays and teacher recommendations included. 

At the end of the application process, the group comprised forty of Patrick Henrys’ very best 8th grade students. Happily, they have already benefitted from the group in a number of ways. Nearly every member applied to and was accepted by one of Houston’s top magnet schools including Carnegie Vanguard High School, the High School for Performing and Visual Arts, and the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. Additionally, members have honed their marketing and entrepreneurial skills through raising money for trips to colleges and cultural sites around Houston.

At this juncture, though, the Honor Society needs your help. 

 The culminating experience of the Honors Society is a trip Washington, D.C., and while members' efforts have raised a significant amount of money, the group is still in need of extra support. Our goal is to ensure that all expenses are fully covered for our students, so that cost is no obstacle for any of them. Your contribution would be going directly to the general fund for transportation (we will take a bus), lodging, and sight-seeing (college visits, visits to D.C. landmarks, etc.). 

Any contribution would be greatly appreciated!

Back Up Plan