Making the
Cold Your
Friend
At the beginning of the school year, FISD gathers every employee into the Dr. Myrlene Kennedy Auditorium
at Friendswood High School for an event called Convocation. This meeting was my first opportunity to
address our entire staff as the new Superintendent of Friendswood ISD.
It was at this event that I shared the theme for 2017-2018, Mustang Pride . . . Unleashed. When
considering how best to shape the beginning of the year, I felt called to build our year on a foundation of
the history, tradition, and the characteristics of our community, city, and school district that we collectively
refer to as Mustang Pride. This foundation has all the elements needed to change the world we live in,
to a better place for all - something we hope and dream for the graduates of FISD. We are committed to
“Unleash” our Mustang Pride on our students and our community.
Furthermore, I shared with our staff a story from my youth to illustrate one of the
elements that we aspire to provide and to instill in our students - the ability to “Make
the Cold your Friend.” As a young boy growing up in Ohio, my dad fixed big, hot
breakfasts every morning. However, he served it out on a screened-in porch open
to the elements. During the winter, we ate outside as well on this porch. My dad
would light a small kerosene heater and put it between my brother and me to keep
us somewhat warm while we ate our pancakes, bacon and eggs. While we shivered
outside, my dad would tell us to “make the cold your friend, boys.” In other words,
embrace the cold and don’t fight it. This mantra became a saying that rings true in
the Roher family today when we face something difficult. When difficulties come, you
face them and make the best of what you have and what is around you. In fact, learn
from them and allow them to teach you and bring out the best.
Little did I know that in a few weeks after that speech, that we all would be challenged by one of the most
difficult circumstances this community and school district has faced. We all would be truly challenged, for
Harve