Aldine ISD’s First-ever Legacy Holiday Event Honors, Highlights District’s Past Leaders

Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney, center, poses with former M.B. “Sonny” Donaldson and Dr. Wanda Bamberg, along with current and former members of the Aldine ISD Board of Education at the first-ever Legacy Holiday Event, held Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the district’s new Community Center at the new Thorne Stadium.

Aldine ISD honored its past leaders by recognizing their work and dedication to the district at its first-ever Legacy Holiday Event on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the new Community Center at Thorne Stadium.

Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney and current members of the Board of Trustees welcomed former Trustees, former superintendents, former district administrators, former principals, and former coaches at the event.

Attendees gathered at the new Community Center for fellowship and to catch up with old friends and colleagues. They also had the opportunity to tour the new Thorne Stadium, which officially opened in August 2024. The original Thorne Stadium opened in 1979 and remained untouched for over 40 years.

Dr. Goffney thanked them for helping shape Aldine over their many years of service.

“Your leadership, vision, and dedication have created a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift our community,” Dr. Goffney said. “You are the pillars of what makes Aldine exceptional, and I’m honored to celebrate with you in this beautiful space. This new facility is a testament to our community’s unwavering support and shared commitment to providing the best for our students, families, and staff.”

Dr. Goffney also thanked former Superintendent W.W. “Bill” Thorne for his leadership and steadfastness during some difficult times in Aldine.

“The stadium’s namesake, W.W. “Bill” Thorne, embodied the visionary leadership that defines The Aldine Way,” Dr. Goffney said. “As superintendent from 1958 to 1972, he guided our district through some of its most challenging times. Under his leadership, the district overcame financial difficulties, regained its accreditation, and launched an ambitious building program that set the stage for decades of success. But Thorne’s legacy extended far beyond his years as superintendent. He was instrumental in founding Lone Star College-North Harris and remained a steadfast leader in our community until his passing in 2021 at the remarkable age of 97. Known affectionately as “Mr. Aldine,” his impact is felt in every corner of this district.”

Joining Dr. Goffney at the Legacy Holiday Event were current Trustees, Board Vice-President Paul Shanklin, Board Secretary Connie Esparza, Assistant Board Secretary Rose Avalos, and Members Dr. Viola M. García, Steve Mead, and Randy Bates. Former Trustees and school name sakes who attended the event were Vera Escamilla, Marine Jones, and Leonard Marcella. Former Superintendents and school namesakes M.B. “Sonny” Donaldson and Dr. Wanda Bamberg, along with former Deputy Superintendents and school namesakes Bill Plummer and Dr. Archie Blanson, were also in attendance. They were joined by former Assistant Superintendent of Finance Anne-Marie Hazzan and former Chief Academic Officer Dr. Todd Davis at the event, along with several former district administrators, campus principals, and former coaches.

The reception also allowed Dr. Goffney to highlight the district’s visual arts program. Four works by Aldine ISD student artists were selected to be displayed in the Superintendent’s Suite on the third floor of the Thorne Stadium Press Box.

“It (Thorne Stadium) is also a space that reflects and celebrates the creativity and talent of our students,” Dr. Goffney said.

She then introduced the four students, along with their artwork.

The four students are Sicily Farris, a senior at Carver High School (her art educator is Christina Moreno); Anna Escobar-Díaz, a senior at Eisenhower High School (her art educator is Brad Schmidt); Felicitas Rodríguez, a senior at La Promesa (her art educator is Deanna Calderon); and Angel Diginee, a sophomore at Young Women’s Leadership Academy (her art educator is Jennie Settle). Kaileigh Newman, the visual arts director, directs the visual arts program.