Fifth-graders Miriya Mattern, Rudy Rodriguez, and Trevor Groenewold (L–R) proudly display a banner they made for Herod Elementary School’s 50th anniversary. Behind the table are (L–R): Principal Lisa McManus (center), Assistant Principal Bryan Bancroft (second from L), Vanguard Magnet Coordinator Todd Paulus (far R), and parents Angela Spears and Andrea Simon.

When Herod Elementary School opened its doors back in the fall of 1965, LBJ was still president, Beatle-mania was taking America by storm, and the The Sound of Music was only about six months old.

Now, the Vanguard magnet school is 50 years old. It celebrated its anniversary on Dec. 10 with cake, balloons, and special presentations from each class.

Yearbook Adviser Sandy Zarwulkoff is now seeking assistance from the community in gathering photos of the old school building. She also would like to interview members of families with multiple generations who attended the school for this year’s yearbook. Please contact her via email at yearbook@HerodPTO.org or by telephone/text at 713-898-2033 if you have information you would like to share.

Herod Elementary is named after Capt. Gary L. Herod, who sacrificed his life in 1961 by guiding his crippled airplane away from Meyerland homes to protect families living in the neighborhood from harm.