About Our Namesake

For many of the young people growing up in the Katy area during the late 1960's and 70's, T.H. McDonald represents all that was good and memorable about Katy High School. He served as principal of Katy High School from 1968 to 1981. McDonald or Mac, as he was affectionately known, had special ability to communicate with young people. "He had a good sense of humor, but more importantly, he could listen to young people," said Dr. James Williams, long-time Board member. He had an excellent rapport with students. Along with being sensitive to the needs of the young people under his care, McDonald was always credited with being fair and consistent when it came to discipline. As one former colleague put it, McDonald was always there to help young people though their problems. 

T.H. McDonald was, for many who knew him, in his element, and perhaps at his best, as principal of Katy High. Co-workers and former students alike, credit him with shaping much of the philosophy and many of the programs for Katy ISD secondary schools. According to former Katy ISD superintendent, James Taylor, a special time for McDonald, and the school district, was the 1965 appointment of McDonald as principal to the, then, newly created Katy Junior High. McDonald was proud of his years as the junior high principal. Before being named junior high principal, he had been one of the most successful basketball coaches in Katy High history winning or sharing four district championships. "He was a student of the game," said Kenneth Welch.  He also taught American History and was a counselor for a year.

From 1981-1985, after leaving Katy High, McDonald served as director for secondary education. In 1985, he was named executive director for instructional services. 

(2000)