KATY [January 16, 2019] – “I want to be like them.” These were the words repeatedly expressed throughout Amy Campbell’s speech at last night’s dedication ceremony at Campbell Elementary. Holding back tears, the school’s namesake spoke of the life-learning experiences she cherishes from former and current students. Learners whom she considers to be true “legacy builders.”
“I love coming to the school. The students are just wonderful and I love to see what they’re doing, as well as the teachers,” said Amy Campbell, Katy ISD namesake. “This dedication is such a blessing in my life and I hope to continue being a blessing in the lives of these children,” added Campbell.
Campbell Elementary School was named after Amy Campbell prior to its inaugural opening in the Cross Creek Ranch subdivision. Ms. Campbell officially met the “ACE Cubs” on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, as they entered their new school for the very first time. Today the namesake’s legacy not only consists of a campus displaying her name but in the great things she has done to further the education of countless students. Campbell’s biggest strengths have always been in the way she instills a sense of confidence, self-esteem, and perseverance in students. She is known for piloting a LIFE Skills program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and at the same time, along with a colleague, she began the Occupational Lab, a place where students completed jobs for area businesses. Her persistence in presenting the idea to local civic and service organizations showcased her passion for the success of her students. The program, now called Work-Based Learning, exists in every Katy ISD high school. Many of the students who participated in this program have been successfully employed after graduation.
While at Katy High School, Campbell also helped start a swim program for students with special needs, which later became known as the Adaptive Aquatics program. In 1995, she moved to Taylor High School to bring the LIFE Skills and Work-Based Learning programs to that campus. While there, she and a fellow teacher founded the second Texas high school chapter of Best Buddies, a program dedicated to creating one-to-one friendships between students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers.
For Ms. Campbell, it is important that her legacy is one that demonstrates that all students have value, that they are loved and that they have the capacity to learn, explore and create.