Aubrey ISD Middle School #2 currently under construction and scheduled to open in August 2025 now has its name. The namesake and others learned about it at a surprise reveal during the groundbreaking and beam signing ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024.
Many gathered at the site of Middle School #2, 5000 FM 2931, in Aubrey, Texas for a scheduled event. There were shovels with blue ribbons in a mound of dirt, a white, metal beam on display, a podium with flags next to it, and a tall sign covered with tarp. Cookies with the Aubrey ISD logo adorned a table cloth along with programs, souvenir shovel keychains and construction hats.
Back at the Aubrey ISD administration building, over two dozen family members of Evalois Owens boarded a wrapped bus featuring district logos for a trip to surprise their loved one. They had all kept the secret. The bus departed and upon arrival, parked in a corner to serve as backdrop decor for the event. Family members patiently waited for the big reveal.
Evalois Owens, a retired and beloved member of the Aubrey ISD family, was scheduled to speak at the event about the importance of the Aubrey Education Foundation (AEF). She served 40 years in Aubrey ISD in numerous roles from secretary to business manager before retiring in 2006. She still serves the district as an AEF board member of which she has been since the inception of AEF in 2000. Her love for students is widely known, and she also backs her commitment financially through a scholarship in her name for deserving high school seniors.
The groundbreaking and beam signing ceremony proceeded as planned. Aubrey High School and Aubrey Middle School cheerleaders welcomed guests. The United States and Texas pledges were led by future Middle School #2 students Trevor Knight and Rhema Ozoude. Speakers included Aubrey ISD School Board President Jim Milacek, Superintendent Dr. Shannon Saylor, Huckabee Architects Principal Luke Powell, Steele & Freeman Construction Senior Project Manager Boyd Weaver, Middle School #2 Principal Pamela Foster, and before the ceremonial dig, Evalois Owens.
After Owens’ remarks, Dr. Saylor invited board members and Evalois up to remove the tarp from the sign to see a “rendering” of the middle school. Evalois slightly hesitated, however joined anyway since Dr. Saylor invited her.
A countdown began, tarp was pulled, then shock and awe permeated the atmosphere. Evalois grabbed her heart, removed her glasses and wiped tears at seeing “Evalois Owens Middle School” on the sign above the architectural drawing. Aubrey ISD board members hugged and congratulated Evalois; then an even bigger surprise came as family members disembarked the bus, and several others got out of their cars and headed her way.
After more hugs, tears and photos, Evalois provided brief remarks. The event concluded with attendees signing the beam and making their mark on the beginning of Owens Middle School.
It was an affair many will remember for a Chaparral so deserving to be honored in such a grand way. Congratulations Evalois Owens!