The school was formerly dedicated in honor of Mrs. Robbie E. Howard on October 30, 2008. Ms. Howard was born to Robert and Mary Davis in 1914.  She grew up in Waxahachie and early on in her life, the importance of education was ingrained in her mind and heart. The Davis family was known for their strong belief in education, as the family had a rich history in Waxahachie Public School dating back to the 1800s. Ms. Howard began attending school at age five, although it was common for most children to start at age six or seven. Because of her early teaching, she bypassed “primer school” and immediately started first grade. In 1930, she graduated from Oaklawn High School at just fifteen years old and went on to attend Prairie View A&M from 1930-1932, where she received her teaching certificate. She taught off and on in rural schools and obtained her bachelor’s degree in 1948 from Paul Quinn College before coming to Waxahachie ISD in 1956.

From 1956 until 1966 she taught all subjects at Oaklawn Elementary and Turner High School. In 1966, under the direction of T.C. Wilemon, Waxahachie ISD Superintendent, the district began the process of integrating its staff. Mr. Wilemon personally requested that Ms. Howard be transferred to Northside Elementary, where she taught for four years and was the only African American teacher or student on campus.  Upon full integration of students and staff in 1970 by then-Superintendent Billy Bates, Ms. Howard returned to the newly renamed Turner Middle School where she taught until she retired in 1974. In the classroom, Ms. Howard had a special “knack” for handling “problem students” and children were sent to her classroom to receive the discipline, love, and attention they needed. Year after year, she touched the lives of all who walked through her classroom doors.

Patient. Loving. Dedicated. Inspiration for All. For more than 100 years, the Howard family has dedicated their lives to educating children in Waxahachie ISD. Regardless of the circumstances she faced, Robbie Howard devoted her life to teaching young children. Her life and work are a testament to what can be accomplished when you place service above self. She is truly a woman who “Against All Odds,” broke educational barriers for school children. Waxahachie ISD is forever grateful.