May 20, 2026
For 39 years, Mr. Garnett E. Ray Jr. faithfully served NMHE as both a teacher and principal, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, service, and compassion that continues to inspire our school community today. Mr. Ray believed in leading by example and encouraging students to always give their best while showing kindness and respect to others. His dedication to education and the community lives on through his family, including his son, Garnett Ray III, who currently serves as chairman of Harris County School Board of Education.
Each year, NMHE proudly honors Mr. Ray’s memory by presenting the Garnett E. Ray Jr. Distinguished Wildcat Award to two deserving fourth grade students. This special award recognizes students who embody the qualities Mr. Ray valued most: leadership, encouragement, trustworthiness, dedication, steadfastness, and kindness.
Students are nominated by their teachers and selected by our leadership team based on the positive example they set for their peers throughout their elementary school years at NMHE. These students have consistently demonstrated strong character, outstanding work ethic, servant leadership, and compassion for others.
During today’s 4th Grade Honors Day Program, NMHE proudly recognized the 2026 Garnett E. Ray Jr. Distinguished Wildcat Award recipients:
🐾 Ella Kate Daniel
🐾 Hudson Mitchell
Congratulations to these outstanding Wildcats! Your hard work, leadership, and kindness make NMHE proud, and we know Mr. Ray’s legacy shines brightly through each of you.
Each year, NMHE proudly honors Mr. Ray’s memory by presenting the Garnett E. Ray Jr. Distinguished Wildcat Award to two deserving fourth grade students. This special award recognizes students who embody the qualities Mr. Ray valued most: leadership, encouragement, trustworthiness, dedication, steadfastness, and kindness.
Students are nominated by their teachers and selected by our leadership team based on the positive example they set for their peers throughout their elementary school years at NMHE. These students have consistently demonstrated strong character, outstanding work ethic, servant leadership, and compassion for others.
During today’s 4th Grade Honors Day Program, NMHE proudly recognized the 2026 Garnett E. Ray Jr. Distinguished Wildcat Award recipients:
🐾 Ella Kate Daniel
🐾 Hudson Mitchell
Congratulations to these outstanding Wildcats! Your hard work, leadership, and kindness make NMHE proud, and we know Mr. Ray’s legacy shines brightly through each of you.