A Night to Remember: Katy ISD Commemorates Teachers of the Year at Katy Heritage Park
Under the soft glow of holiday lights and the harmony of seasonal carols, the Katy ISD community gathered in heartfelt celebration at Katy Heritage Park this weekend to honor 78 exceptional educators during the annual Brick Unveiling Ceremony. These educators—Katy ISD’s 2024–25 Campus Teachers of the Year—were each recognized with a commemorative brick, now permanently set in the walkways of this historic community landmark.
The ceremony, held Saturday, December 2, was more than a simple recognition—it was a powerful tribute to the lasting impact teachers have on generations of students. Each engraved brick symbolizes not only professional excellence, but the deep relationships and transformative learning moments forged in Katy ISD classrooms every day.
“Tonight is about celebrating the educators who represent the very best of Katy ISD,” said Superintendent Ken Gregorski. “It is my privilege to thank each of you for the extraordinary impact you have on our students, schools and community.”
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The evening opened on a festive note as the Tompkins High School Jazz Choir performed holiday classics, adding cheer and charm to the meaningful gathering. Families, colleagues, and students roamed the paths of the plaza, pausing at each new brick to reflect on the names and stories that now line the heart of Katy Heritage Park.
Located at 5990 George Bush Dr., the park is home to five preserved Katy homes, each filled with historic furnishings, and is maintained by the Katy Heritage Society, a nonprofit organization devoted to preserving and sharing the city’s rich history. The commemorative bricks are installed in the park’s south plaza, near the Wright Museum, and serve as a growing legacy of community service, education, and remembrance.
As one of the oldest and most meaningful traditions in the district, the Brick Unveiling Ceremony is made possible by a collaborative effort between Katy ISD and community partners including Venus Construction, Modern Pest Control, and the Katy Heritage Society. Their partnership not only supports the recognition of educators but also strengthens the bonds between Katy’s past and its future.
The Katy Heritage Society, founded to foster the educational and cultural development of the area, continues to play an integral role in keeping local history alive. Through restoration projects, historical preservation, and public engagement efforts, the Society ensures that places like Katy Heritage Park remain central to the community’s identity and accessible to future generations. Their mission also includes preserving historic documents, natural spaces, and artifacts distinctive to Katy and surrounding areas.
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The commemorative bricks—each a symbol of hard work, compassion, and dedication—join hundreds of others already nestled along the walkways of the plaza. For families and students alike, it’s a place to return, to walk among names etched in brick, and remember the individuals who shaped their educational journeys.
As Katy ISD continues to grow and evolve, traditions like the Brick Unveiling at Katy Heritage Park remain a grounding force—celebrating excellence in education while honoring the roots of a close-knit community.
Location
- Katy Heritage Park
- 5990 George Bush Dr, Katy, TX 77493
- Open daily, dawn to dusk
For more information about the Katy Heritage Society or to visit the park, go to katyheritagesociety.com.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
