About Our Namesake: Thomas Horace Rogers

Thomas Horace Rogers was a highly respected educator and principal in Houston, Texas, best known for

his leadership at San Jacinto High School. Born in 1874, Mr. Rogers dedicated his life to public education and was widely admired for his professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to students.

Tragically, on February 14, 1954, Mr. Rogers lost his life after being struck by a stray bullet during a police response to a burglary. He was an unintended victim of the incident. In recognition of his remarkable service and contributions to the Houston Independent School District, a new school was named in his honor: T. H. Rogers Junior High School.

The school opened its doors in 1962 as a neighborhood middle school serving the Tanglewood community until 1979. In 1980, the campus briefly closed and was reimagined. It reopened in 1981 as a unique magnet school housing three specialized programs:

• Vanguard Program (K–8) – for gifted and talented students
• PSI Program (Pre-K–12) – for students with multiple impairments
• RDSPD Program (Pre-K–8) – for students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

In 2021, the Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (RDSPD) was transitioned to students’ zoned campuses as part of an effort to further mainstream the Hard of Hearing population.

Past Principals of T. H. Rogers include: Leona Ruebright, Charles Nelson, William Fisk, Lawrence Berger, Virginia Emmott, Jane McDonald, Sandy Streeter, Meredith Wedin, Linda Andersson, Nancy Manley, Cathryn White, Dave Muzyka, and Tiffany Chenier.

Today, T. H. Rogers School continues to serve students through the Vanguard and PSI programs. The school stands as a proud reflection of the values Mr. Rogers championed—academic excellence, equity, and inclusive education. His life and legacy continue to inspire generations of learners, educators, and families who are part of the T. H. Rogers community.