Legacy of Light

Charlie Raymond, ROBS kindergarten student and youngest child of the Raymond family, and Kathy Hogan, beloved and brilliant teacher of teachers, went to be with their Lord and Savior this past winter. Though Charlie and Kathy were associated with ROBS in different ways, their legacies are woven through our community with similar threads. One an energetic 5-year-old, the other a veteran educator; both cancer warriors of uncommon strength.

Charlie’s joyous smile and Kathy’s knowing countenance hinted of deeper wisdom. “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3) God’s light shone through every step of their journeys, their stardust forever altering the ROBS universe.

Charlie Raymond

Big heart. Old soul. Fun-loving spirit. Warrior with a captivating smile. Charlie’s teachers and friends describe him as all of these things. In his honor, they designed a bench for the Lower School playground. Like Charlie, the bench is many things – a sturdy bearing amidst the excitement of recess, a launching pad for adventurers, a welcome seat for friends, a bright spot during play time. Above all, it’s a happy reminder of their friend.

River Oaks Baptist School has named its annual fall fair in Charlie’s honor. The smiling faces and shouts of delight from students at the Charlie Raymond Fall Fair will forever be a reminder of his brief, yet joyful, life.

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”

1 Peter 1:8

Kathy Hogan

After a long and prolific career in public education, Kathy described her final years at ROBS as dessert because she enjoyed them so much. She accrued many distinguished titles over the years: education specialist, Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction, curriculum coordinator, instructional coach, teacher of teachers, and notably, Texas Teacher of the Year. But the title that most aptly captures her love and delight for her students’ natural curiosity and joy is the one she gave herself: “radically and profoundly pro-kid.”

HOGAN FELLOWS

Inspired by the School’s intentional focus on diversity and by the story of Kathy’s commitment to developing and training young teachers, an anonymous donor created the Kathy Hogan Fellowship Program. The teacher training program will fund two faculty positions—one in the Lower School and one in the Middle School—for aspiring young teachers of color. The program allows ROBS to identify and recruit raw talent, mold young teachers consistent with its standard of excellence, and diversify our teaching pool. In essence, it will train teachers how to be “radically and profoundly pro-kid.” How fitting that it bear Kathy’s name.

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”