Legendary Status

A hallmark of any great organization is its employees—people who value their work and stay for a long time. In this sense, River Oaks Baptist School is richly blessed. Teachers like Jeff Reynolds and Barbara Luengas are ROBS icons, weaving continuity through the School’s history and grounding alumni in shared experiences. The following faculty and staff members celebrated these milestones on their journey with ROBS.

“All I ask is that my students love this country.”

– Barbara Luengas

BARBARA LUENGAS – 42 YEARS

Barbara Luengas recalls with great clarity the Church’s beginnings with her father Walter Farmer, Dr. Carlos Hamilton, and a handful of other men. They first met in homes, then schools – they even had a stint in the River Oaks Theater where Sunday School was actually held in the foyer of the ladies restroom.

When the sanctuary was completed in 1953, ten-year-old Barbara was the first member to be baptized there. Years later, when she had married and divorced, and found herself trying to survive and provide as a single mother, it was ROBC and ROBS that gave her work. “They not only made it possible for me to eat, they made it possible for me to support and educate my family.”

To say she has given back is an understatement. She started teaching at ROBS 42 years ago in the fourth grade classroom, worked in the nursery, put on the first school play, coached students in public speaking, and even taught 7th and 8th grade Social Studies at the same time. But her love was and is U.S. History, and her greatest reward comes when students report that she influenced their ultimate career choice. “All I ask is that my students love this country,” Barbara says.

And even as teaching techniques change, Barbara claims it is the unchanging Christian aspect of ROBS that provides the stability and strength moving forward. “We’ve never needed to teach Baptist doctrine here,” she says, “because we simply teach the love of Christ. That is our greatest offering.”

Barbara concluded her final year of teaching at ROBS this May, achieving what many teachers only hope to become—a legend.

VICTOR PULICH – 28 YEARS

Coach Victor Pulich’s 28 years of dedicated leadership and service at ROBS end in May as he retires from his current role as Dean of Students. Three years ago, Pulich transitioned from a quarter-century role as ROBS’ Athletic Director, passing the reins to his friend and longtime colleague Coach Jesse Martin.

Pulich served as Head Tennis Pro at the Houston City Club prior to joining ROBS as Athletic Director in 1991. He began to lead the Fellowship of Christian Athletes more than 20 years ago, and he and Martin led it together for many years. In addition to his work at ROBS, Pulich also served as interim Youth Minister at River Oaks Baptist Church for almost two years. In all aspects of his life, he incorporates character building with discipline, serving as a faith example for his all those around him.

“Coach Pulich’s faith is the hallmark of his life, and his students and colleagues know it,” said Leanne Reynolds, Head of School. “His ability to hold students accountable, apply fair consequences and offer them grace is what made him an exceptional coach and an even better dean. He is a great colleague and friend, and he has made a huge impact here. He will definitely be missed.”

Pulich is not sure what is next – perhaps work in a ministry role. “I’ve had the honor and privilege of working with thousands of the brightest, most talented students and athletes Houston has to offer. lt was an absolute blessing to serve here for nearly three decades.”

SERVICE AWARDS

40 YEARS

Penny Jackson

30 YEARS

Holly Tindel

25 YEARS

Gay Lee Pearce Sharon Reardon

20 YEARS

Lila Mazzone

15 YEARS

Sally Cooper Lisa Gilmore Diane Klinkerman Joy Lord Maritza Mora Kristin Poe Maria Reyes

10 YEARS Henry Barrios Michelle Bunch Melissa Chavez Cecilia de Lankford Robert Garivey Linda Girala Sarah Graham Deborah Harper Melanie Hightower Brenda Martinez Francy Mitchell Tomasa Perez Ashley Plunkett Marco Quiroga Melinda Williams