Highland Park Independent School District, HPISD, is a wonderful public school in the heart of Dallas, Texas. Known for high academic achievement, an amazing faculty and administration, and a community that is fully engaged and supportive. HPISD is on of the oldest public school systems in Texas, and its History is fascinating!
A Love Letter to HPISD
In 2023, the 22nd member of my immediate and extended family will graduate from Highland Park High School, spanning the years of 1937-2023. I also have a Great Aunt who taught in HPISD, at University Park Elementary School (Mary Underwood Boswell) and a Great Uncle who taught Chemistry at HPHS (Fred Boswell). I completed my own Student Teaching requirement at HPHS.
And y’all…I’m a big fat emotional mess, full of pride, and excitement, and melancholy. So today, I’m writing a love letter to HPISD, choosing to reflect on the history of my beloved high school, and the motto we all know well, “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve.”
HPHS 1939 <> Photo Credit: Flashback Dallas
Highland Park High School Dallas: A History
According to the HPISD Web Site, “Established in 1914, Highland Park Independent School District is proud of its long-standing tradition of excellence. Graduates of our school district have gone on to become successful leaders in every field. Our history is unique and is an important part of who we are.”
“An amazing journey began at John S. Armstrong School on Oct. 12, 1914. That was the day Highland Park ISD first opened its doors to 95 students. Mrs. Alice Armstrong, the widow of John S. Armstrong, donated the plot of land for the first school. She made the gift in honor of her late husband. The tiny school, made up of only four rooms plus a basement, was led by Principal Belle Francis, who was known to ride her horse to school and hitch it to a post alongside the cream-colored brick building.”
Matthew Evans (HPHS 2016) and Will Evans (HPHS 1978)
“Alice Armstrong’s generosity did not end with the Armstrong School. She went on to donate 100 acres for the Southern Methodist University campus, the area where Gerald J. Ford Stadium now stands.”
Football Souvenir 1985
“During World War I, (the legacy of serving others was put to the test) There was a shortage of fresh vegetables, so pupils planted and maintained war gardens on school property. The vegetables were distributed both to Armstrong families and to many in need. Students also raised money and collected supplies to donate to soldiers.”
University Park Elementary School Graduates: Elizabeth Ann Meier, Collins Meier, Mary Denton Meier-Evans, Michael Denton, Matthew Evans, Walker Evans
“The School Board offered to equip a lunchroom if the PTA would manage and finance it. With earnings from rummage sales, candy sales and entertainment, the PTA raised the funds to put a lunchroom into operation at Armstrong School in January 1921.”
Photo Credit: Park Cities People
“Thus, Armstrong PTA began the long-running tradition of PTAs running the cafeterias on every HPISD campus. To this day, parents, grandparents and other volunteers enjoy serving meals.”
“The Town of Highland Park continued to boom. The City of University Park incorporated in 1924. Three new HPISD campuses opening during this phenomenal decade: Highland Park High School Dallas in 1922, Bradfield Elementary in 1926 and University Park Elementary in 1928.”
The Curious Cowgirl’s HPHS Memorabilia
Fun fact: The first Highland Park High School “mascot was the coyote, and the team colors were orange and black. When Coach Floyd Betts arrived to coach the first Highland Park football team in 1923, he changed the mascot to the Highlander and the colors to blue and gold.”
HPHS Class of 2015: John Grover, Collins Meier, Michael Bass
“In 1934, a new instrument appeared alongside the band and became an instant tradition: the bagpipe. The Dads Club paid for the new instruments used by the all-female piper crew, which played next to the band during halftime at” Highland Park High School football games.
1934 Bagpipers <> Photo Credit: HPISD
Dallas Public Schools: HPISD Today
“One hundred years later, HPISD serves more than 7,000 students on seven campuses. Today, the horse and hitching post are long gone. Yet remaining constant is the spirit of the community and its dedication to serving children.”
Highland Belle Elizabeth Ann Meier
“Looking back over a century of excellence, one has to wonder what it is that makes this place unique” among so many Dallas Public Schools. “Highland Park High School alumni have gone on to make their mark in every imaginable field.
The list includes a Nobel Prize laureate, Academy Award winners, Tony and Grammy Award winners, Pulitzer Prize recipients, Olympic gold medalists, Rhodes scholars, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, a Heisman Trophy winner, Hall of Fame athletes, an astronaut, law and business leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, doctors, artists, mayors, a governor and two valedictorians of West Point and the Naval Academy who graduated in the same year. No doubt, the legacy will continue for centuries to come.”
HPHS Graduates Elizabeth Ann Meier (2018) and The Curious Cowgirl (1986)
Highland Park High School Graduation…Then…and Now
“Highland Park ISD held its first Highland Park High School graduation ceremony on Monday, June 2, 1924. There were 34 graduates in total — 23 girls who wore white afternoon dresses and carried spring flowers and 11 boys who wore white flannel trousers and blue sport coats. The 34 graduates had grown up together and were among the first students to attend the Armstrong School in 1914.”
In 2023 my nephew will graduate with 565 classmates, marking one of the largest classes to graduate from Highland Park High School thus far. What a journey! What a history!
HPHS Class of 2018 Graduates
Within our family we have participated in Student Council, Football, Wrestling, Track, Soccer and Yearbook. We have Cheerleaders, Belles, PTA Presidents, and Dad’s Club Presidents and a Foundation President. We have performed with the Choir, with the Band, in theater productions, and created art. We have served lunches, we have chaired fundraisers, we have loved, and continue to love, what makes this place amazing!
Today, and EVERY day, is a GREAT day to be a Scot!
Stay Involved! Help Support HPISD
If you are a Highland Park High School Alumni, please consider joining the Alumni Association, by clicking here.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible gift to HPISD via Mad for Plaid, please click here!
Special Shot Out To the Following Families: Denton, Evans, Meier, Nienhueser, Marshall, Hammack, Underwood, and Roberts.
The Curious Cowgirl, Highland Belle, 1985
Awesome caps and gowns
Love this HP history! Actually love everything you write!!!
Awwwwww Linda, thank you! You made my day!!!! xoxo
Fabulous love letter, Mary!!
Awwwww, thank you fellow Scottie!!!!
My 40th HPHS reunion is this October!! Time really flys.
Great post.
Doesn’t it???! That will be a FUN!!!
congrats!
thank you!!! look forward to seeing you in July!!!!!
Ahhh love it. Can’t believe that is the picture you posted. I am honored. Love the letter. Laurie
xoxo friend….seems like yesterday!!!!
Just loved this HPISD history review…and loved the family photos. Congratulations to Elizabeth Ann
Thank you Susie! Big weekend!!!!
Loved every bit of the HP History and the wonderful photos! Thank you for posting, Mary!
Awwwww…thank you! Go Scots!
I love this Mary! Thank you for taking the time to research this. Our grandparents were at HP about the same time. Mine graduated in 1934. So fun!
Awwwww, thank you Wendy!!! This really is a small town!!!! xoxo
Thank you for this amazing love letter, Mary. Things have really changed since 1982, yet the legacy and tradition continues! And, as the HP Education Foundation president, I offer special thanks your inclusion of the Mad for Plaid link.
Right? The 80’s were something else! HA! So glad you are the Foundation President Ann! You are PERFECT for the role, and I appreciate your service to our school district!!!!
What an amazing picture of Elizabeth Ann! That girl can dance!!!! We will all say “we knew her when”…When she is a star on Broadway!
That’s a HUGE compliment coming from you Mia! And I love that our dancing girls became friends back at University Park Elementary School!
I LOVE this so much!
Happy graduation!!!
xoxo- Tanya
Thank you Tanya! You’ve got three of your own who benefitted from this great school district!
What a Wonderful Tradition!!! Love the letter!!!
Awwwww….thank you Pam!
We have our 40th HPHS Reunion this fall! Love this post, Mary! 💛
Reunions are so fun! And thank you for the kind words friend!!!!
Love everything about this post! This is a special community.
Thank you…and Go Scots!
xoxo
Awwww, thank you so much Mimi! Once a Scot, always a Scot!
This is my most favorite post you ever send out! Thank you for taking us down memory lane. I’m so thankful that Campbell and his classmates get to walk the stage this year at AT&T stadium! XO
Thank you friend! SO proud of your Campbell! Graduating AND a Blanket Award Recipient! VERY impressive!!!
Such a great ride down memory lane Mary!