Growing up in this community in the early 1990s, Lincoln Hypolite bled blue and gold and was well aware of the fierce rivalry between La Marque and Texas City high schools. As a young student athlete, he never dreamed he would connect with the Texas City community as a Stingaree. But that is just what he has done.

"We were LM and that's it; we were proud of our tradition and glued to the activities in our community," he says. "We are La Marque Cougars, Whoosh!"

His time at La Marque High School, particularly in the classroom of economics teacher Mr. Juan Gonzales, left a lasting and indelible mark. Hypolite went on to major in economics in college and teach economics while also coaching at Pearland High School.

"He was not only a great teacher, but also a great person who cared about kids and their success," he says. "His passion and dedication to my learning was a driving factor in my decision to pursue a degree in economics and I still used many of his teaching methods and applications during my 16-year stretch as an economics teacher."

But Hypolite says his return to Texas City – to the position of principal of Texas City High School – has been a positive journey. Timing is everything, and life events happen for a reason. He received the call in January 2016 about another administrative opening at TCHS, an opening he calls the perfect opportunity. A longtime coach, Hypolite received his administration certification in 2011, but never felt ready to leave the coaching world while his youngest son was in high school. One month before the call, his son had received his acceptance to college.

"It was the perfect time ... (and) a unique opportunity to return to an area that raised me for 18 years," he says. "Not only was I excited about growth, but also for the opportunity to give back and work with youth in my home community."

Hypolite says it's exciting to see how Texas City ISD has seized the opportunity to incorporate technology in the classroom and households for all students, giving teachers the opportunity to extend classroom instruction and connect with students no matter what their instructional needs are. That's a big difference from when he was in school.

"Another big change would be the career choices and pathways that we offer; the new ITC building brings unique programs where students can earn certifications and gain employment soon after graduation" he says. "We had a few choices in the early '90s, but nothing compares to the ITC programs."

Success stories from both La Marque and Texas City are what make Hypolite proud to be a Coog, still to this day. Being a Coog is home and home is where the heart lies ... but it's also where the soul thrives, he says.

"I believe it's my life's mission to help and promote our youth to higher heights so they can live the life of their dreams," Hypolite says. "When chosen to be in a position to increase the human capital and work with the mindset of our youth in MY own community, then I can't imagine anything better."