Round Rock ISD was honored this week as the 2025 Local Legend by the city of Round Rock. The Local Legend program honors individuals or groups whose contributions to the city of Round Rock date back at least 30 years.
"Round Rock ISD, when we recruit businesses to come here, the number one question they always ask is, 'How's your public education? I can't be prouder to support our school district and all the work that you do and that your teachers do,” Mayor Craig Morgan said. “You produce great leaders."
Natalie Nichols, senior chief of schools and innovation, accepted the award on behalf of the district at the Nov. 6 Round Rock city council meeting.
"I feel very honored to be mentioned in the same breath as Dr. Mays,” Dr. Nichols said. "I am so incredibly proud to accept this for our staff and for our leadership. We serve to help young people grow, and I'm grateful every day that I get this opportunity." Nichols said the honor is a measure of "how much we love your kids, and how well we have served them. Thank you for sending us your children every day."
The Local Legend initiative was established in 1990 and aims to acknowledge not only remarkable people but also significant places, businesses, organizations, institutions, and publications that have made a lasting imprint on the culture, development and history of Round Rock.
The individual Local Legend award was the Rev. Dr. A.W. Anthony Mays, who attended Hope Well Colored School through 9th grade and became the first Black student at Round Rock High School, finishing in the top 10% of his class. "Sixty-one years ago, Round Rock was a different place," Mays said. He said that when he had the opportunity to attend Round Rock High, he took it. "It was an open door, and someone needed to walk through it. "
For 112 years and counting, Round Rock ISD has embodied the spirit of the city of Round Rock: educating generations, preserving pivotal chapters of local history, strengthening civic life, and projecting Round Rock’s name with pride and honor.
“Round Rock ISD’s commitment to academic excellence continues through award-winning programs in fine arts, robotics, athletics, and multicultural education,” said Richard Parson, Historical Preservation Commission “This long-standing dedication to quality education not only enriches lives but also contributes to economic development, since 'great schools' continue to be a top reason cited by families and employers choosing to locate in Round Rock.”