Honoring The Woodlands 50th
Honorary Coin Toss + Time Capsule History Event
In celebration of The Woodlands' 50th anniversary, The John Cooper School hosted a celebratory event underscoring Cooper’s longstanding and historic connection to the community.
On October 10, 2024, Jim Carman, President, Houston Region for Howard Hughes, Richard Franks, Board of Directors, The Woodlands Township, and Dr. Stephen Popp, Head of The John Cooper School, kicked off the 50th Anniversary festivities with a symbolic coin toss at the start of the Dragon’s football game against SPC rival St. Mark’s (Dallas).
“We appreciate The John Cooper School’s support for The Woodlands 50th anniversary and commemoration of this milestone during the coin toss,” said Jim Carman. “The John Cooper School is vital to the educational legacy of The Woodlands and will continue for future generations.”
In 1988, Cooper faculty and students placed a time capsule to commemorate the School’s founding. Located behind a brick in The Mitchell Lower School, the time capsule contained a treasure trove of memorabilia from that era. As part of The Woodlands 50th Anniversary festivities, the School is dedicating a new time capsule, marking a new chapter in the School’s history, and symbolizing its forward-looking vision as "A School for the Future, Rooted in Tradition.”
On October 8, 2024, Head of School Dr. Stephen Popp met with alumni who were a part of Cooper’s founding. As they reunited and reminisced about the items they contributed to the original time capsule, they were deeply moved by the experience.
“When I saw the items, I contributed as a student back in 1988, it brought back so many memories of our early days here,” shared Cooper alumnus Erin Cassidy ‘01. “Being part of those early years, we knew we were part of something special, but seeing it now, I realize how much George Mitchell’s vision for The Woodlands—and the School—has come to life. The School has grown, just like the township, but the spirit of innovation, connection, and community that Mitchell instilled remains at its core. It is a legacy we are all proud to be part of.”
The 1988 time capsule offered a glimpse into the past, filled with letters and artifacts that reflected life at The John Cooper School during its formative years. The alumni and former staff in attendance reflected on the School's evolution and how their contributions back then paved the way for its future.
The event was particularly meaningful because of the School’s historical ties to The Woodlands. The land for The John Cooper School was gifted by the community's founder, George P. Mitchell, whose vision helped transform the area into a thriving educational and cultural community. This event not only celebrated the 50th anniversary of The Woodlands but also reinforced the School's role as an educational cornerstone in the community.
Dr. Stephen Popp, Head of School, reflected on the significance of the event. “The 1988 time capsule represents more than just a snapshot of our school at that time—it embodies the enduring spirit of innovation, intellectual inquiry, and creativity that inspires the Cooper experience. As we dedicate a new time capsule, we not only honor the legacy and tradition of our founding, but we also look forward to a future filled with tremendous opportunities for our students. We feel fortunate to share our history with the history of The Woodlands.”
Event Highlights:
- Unveiling of the 1988 Time Capsule: Alumni gathered to see the artifacts they contributed as students, sharing memories and reflecting on how both the school and The Woodlands have evolved over the years.
- Dedication of a New Time Capsule: In honor of The Woodlands' 50th anniversary, the school is sealing a new time capsule containing contributions from current students, staff, and community members. The new capsule will be opened during a future milestone, ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to reflect on today’s moments and values.
- Alumni Reunions: The event served as a reunion for alumni and former staff, offering them a chance to reconnect and celebrate the school’s rich legacy and its historic ties to The Woodlands.
The dedication of the new time capsule serves as a symbolic gesture of the school’s commitment to its mission and future generations. It contains items reflecting the present-day life at The John Cooper School, capturing the essence of its evolving traditions and its ongoing partnership with The Woodlands community.
The John Cooper School
From Curiosity to Wisdom
The John Cooper School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory day school. Our mission is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifelong learners.
The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.
The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.
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