Spring ISD superintendent receives HICC Lifetime Achievement Award

Spring ISD Superintendent Ralph H. Draper, right, accepts the 2012 Houston Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award from Kirby Sanford, HICC 2012 chairman of the board.

Ralph H. Draper, superintendent of the Spring Independent School District, was recently honored with the Houston Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award during its 2012 Starlight Awards event Thursday, Oct. 25.

According to a press release, the award is given to individuals who have demonstrated a commitment and established a legacy to improve the qualify of life in north Houston.

"I am humbled by the honor, which certainly is a shared honor that is realized daily by the fine work of our teachers," Draper said in the release. "More important than recognition is the support we receive from the chamber. The value that the chamber places on the job public school districts have to do and the role that the superintendent plays in carrying out that job is most appreciated."

Since Draper became superintendent in 2005, the district has opened three schools of choice, including Carl Wunsche Sr. High School, which integrates the core curriculum into career pathways; Dr. Edward Roberson Middle School, which features a non-traditional curriculum revolving around math, science and the fine arts; and the Early College Academy at Southridge, which allows students the opportunity to graduate from high school with an associate degree.

The district also created a virtual school program; its first "green" school, Gloria Marshall Elementary; and Houston's first LEED Gold certified public school.

For more information about Spring ISD, located at 16717 Ella Blvd. in Houston, visit springisd.org.