The arena was packed, the Stafford High School marching band was playing and the crowd was enthusiastic – it could’ve been a Friday night under the lights. But no, it was Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) annual Convocation. Held on Aug. 8, this year’s event theme, “HCDE is Varsity,” celebrated a championship-level team that provides outstanding services and advocacy for a special population of students.  

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Staff were invited to showcase their basketball, baseball and football skills at engaging photo backdrops as they entered the Kingdom Builders Center. Per Superintendent James Colbert Jr.’s request, many also stopped by the sneaker stadium to shine a light on their hottest kicks. Activities were underscored by pep rally jams and a video montage featuring sports or senior photographs of colleagues.  

For many, the event is an opportunity to reunite with colleagues, catch up on summer experiences and celebrate the start of the academic year.  

“I enjoy Convocation, and you know our Head Start staff love a good theme,” laughed division Assistant Director Gulshan Rahman. “I think Varsity is a really important theme because Mr. Colbert always wants us to strive for the best, and it’s just another way to reinforce that message that we should always be reaching for excellence.”  

Event Coordinator Shelby Buchtien, a first-time Convocation attendee, spent the past few months preparing and planning the Department-wide gathering. She described how nothing could have prepared her for the excitement and culture at Convocation.  

“The energy is so high, and everyone is so pumped to be here, especially early in the morning,” she said. “Oftentimes in event planning, we can’t enjoy the ceremony, but I’ve gotten a chance to see everyone having a good time and good experience, and that’s been really fun for me as well as to see it all come together.”  

Colbert welcomed nearly 1,000 employees after the Stafford High School marching band kicked off Convocation with a selection of stadium anthems. #TeamHCDE cheered on 100 colleagues who received awards for their years of service to the Department. Three special service awards were given to Adult Education, Records Management and School-Based Therapy Services employees who were recognized for 30 years of dedication to HCDE. 

“I absolutely love you, but what I love most about you is what you do and the students you do it for,”  Colbert said. “HCDE is my other family, and we are fearless and audacious. We love our community, and whenever we have Convocation, I feel that energy.” 

While explaining the thought process behind this year’s theme, Colbert depicted the difference between a regular team player and someone on the Varsity squad. He recalled his experience as a high school and college athlete and the determination needed to succeed at the highest level.  

Colbert highlighted several challenges the education system has faced over the past decade and emphasized HCDE’s importance within the Harris County community.  

“HCDE is a unicorn,” he said, a nod to the Department’s mascot. “I’ve been to schools all over the country, and I’ve never seen a place with so many diverse programs. We save lives, we change lives and we are champions of children. We have a righteous mission as we advocate for kids who often get no advocacy.”  

He drew attention to the various state-of-the-art facilities completed in recent years, the number of students we have served and the Board of Trustees dedicated to maintaining high-quality employees with a passion for serving students.  

Colbert also announced significant pay increases, which included a 6% increase for Special Schools teachers and retention incentives for eligible employees.  

“No matter what happens, we will handle it with style and professionalism. I love you. Go forth and let’s have a great year,” Colbert smiled.