The 50th Anniversary of Sring's first football team was recognized at the Homecoming game with 11 memebers of the 1959 team attending and serving as honorary captains at the game.
Award Winners L to R: Terri Risinger, Bill Watson, Annette Waters (mother of Rodney Dale Waters)
Terri began band in 6th grade at Twin Creeks Middle School. She played French Horn and consistently made the Regional Band and Orchestra. In the 8th grade, the seed was planted in her mind by Director Mark Chapman that she should be a band director. Terri would continue band throughout high school under the direction of Bill Watson and Diane Burton. She was a leader in the marching field and the classroom. Terri was a section leader, held numerous band offices, and received #1 ratings on solos and ensembles at contests. She graduated in the top 10% of her class and received a scholarship to the School of Music at the University of Houston where she majored in music education. She played in wind ensembles conducted by legendary Eddie Green. Terri did her student teaching in Spring ISD at Hirsch Elementary and Spring High School. Upon graduation from college, she was hired as Assistant Band Director at Twin Creeks Middle School where she began band. She taught at Twin Creeks for 8 years; 6 of those as Head Director with her bands consistently winning Sweepstakes at UIL contests.
In 2005 Terri was named Assistant Director of Bands at Spring High School. In 2008 she was named Marching Bank Director. Terri is respected by her peers and loved by students and parents as she continually gives back to Spring ISD and its students. On several occasions she has also received the Spring ISD Distinguished Educatior Award, given to teachers deemed as the singular most influential teacher by graduating seniors in the top 5% of their class. She belongs to several professional organizations. For several years Terri has been a staff member of the Cougar Band Camp at the University of Houston. Terri’s hobbies include sailing, shopping and supporting her favorite sports team, the Houston Astros.
Rodney had a notable career in the Lone Star State and became a highly decorated firefighter. He first served as a volunteer with the Spring Fire Department and then became a member of the Conroe Fire Department. In 1989, he joined the Houston Fire Department where he would serve with distinction while earning a number of recognitions. On February 9, 2009, the Texas Legislature read and adopted a resolution in honor of Rodney Waters.
Rodney was described as a man with great warmth, charm, kindness and generosity. He served his community in many ways as a volunteer; coached little league in Spring/Klein, raised funds for Special Olympics, was a committee member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He was a Master Mason at the Spring Masonic Lodge.
Rodney was a true and loyal friend who loved life and always enjoyed a good game of poker. His booming laugh and big bear hugs will be missed. Rodney was the father of 3. He was 43 years old when he passed away from a pulmonary embolism on January 31, 2009.
2009 Distinguished Faculty/Staff Members
Bill Watson
Bill Watson is in his 30th year of music education. He is currently in his 14th year as Director of Bands at Richland High School in the Birdville ISD. Previous positions include Director of Bands at Spring High School, Associate Director of Bands at Westfield High School and Director of Bands at Wells Middle School, all in the Spring ISD. Mr. Watson has been fortunate to work with high school bands that have won numerous marching festivals, including 5 Texas UIL State Championships, 9 Bands of America Regional Championships, 5 Bands of America Grand Nation Finalist appearances, the 1993 Bands of America Grand National Championship (this was the Spring Band.) In 1994, Spring High repeated as “State of Texas 5-A Marching Champions.” During Mr. Watson’s tenure at Spring, the Spring Band was also honored with the “Sudler Flag of Honor.” This prestigious award is given based on all aspects of the band program over a period of seven years.
Concert bands under Mr. Watson’s direction have been named a TMEA Region Honor Band 9 times dating back to 1981, advancing to the TMEA state competition on 8 occasions. The 1984 Wells Middle School Band was the TMEA Class C Honor Band, and bands from Spring and Richland High Schools have earned 6 appearances in the state honor band finals.
Mr. Watson was named “Young Bandmaster of the Year” by the Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Mu fraternity. He was named Richland High School “Southwestern Bell Sponsor of the Year” in 1998 and 2006, and Richland High School “Teacher of the Year” in 2004. In 2008, Mr. Watwon was named a Wal-Mart “Teacher of the Year.”
Mr. Watson has 12 years of drum corps experience as a brass and music ensemble instructor. He worked for the Sky Ryders from 1991-1992, the Cavaliers from 1995-1997, and the Santa Clara Vanguard from 1998-2003. Mr. Watson has taught 4 D.C.I. World Champions. From 2006 to the present he has been working with the Blue Devils from Concord, California.
Mr. Watson has served as the Texas Music Adjudicators Association Marching Bank Vice-President. He serves as a judge and clinician throughout the United States and is a member of several professional organizations. He is a native of Lake Jackson, Texas and graduated from Brazoswood High School. He received a Bachelor of Music Education and a Masters of Music in Conducting from the University of Houston.
2009
Scholarship Winner
Matthew Twomey
L to R: Ellie Strack Roberts, Alumni VP; Matthew Twomey; John Shilling, Alumni President
