Haygood Elementary School

Haygood Elementary is proudly named in honor of James “Dick” Richard and Marinella Haygood, a devoted husband-and-wife team who dedicated their lives to education and community service in Lamar CISD.

James Richard “Dick” Haygood
Born on August 25, 1929, in Rosenberg, Texas, James Richard graduated from Lamar High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Southwest Texas State, followed by a Master’s in Education from Prairie View A&M. He began his teaching career in Rosenberg in 1956 and went on to teach for 34 years, best known for his passion as a Texas history teacher at Lamar CISD. Even after retiring, he continued working with children through after-school programs.

Beyond the classroom, Dick was deeply involved in the community—serving as a Boy Scout leader, Little League coach, First Baptist Church deacon and choir member, and member of the Optimist Club. He was also known for visiting nursing homes to share music and stories, bringing joy to residents.

Marinella Haygood
Marinella was born on November 18, 1926, in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, and graduated from Searcy High School in Arkansas. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Art from Arkansas State College before beginning her career as an art educator. For more than 27 years, Marinella inspired creativity at Lamar CISD, building a strong and vibrant art program at Lamar Consolidated High School. She also gave private art lessons and played a key role in local arts organizations, including the Visual Arts Exhibit Council, the Fort Bend County Fair Arts Department, and the Southwest Artists Society. Like her husband, she sang in the First Baptist Church choir and was a passionate ambassador for the arts in the community.

A Lasting Legacy
The Haygoods were married for 53 years, united by their love of education, the arts, and service to others. Dick passed away in 2009, and Marinella in 2015, but their commitment to students, the arts, and the Rosenberg community continues to inspire.

Haygood Elementary proudly carries their name as a tribute to their unwavering dedication and the positive impact they made on generations of learners in Lamar CISD.