Pasadena ISD Alumni

Internationally known attorney,
civic leader named Pasadena ISD's 2005 Distinguished Alumnus

Sam Rayburn High School 1971 graduate and Houston attorney J. Michael Solar, who played an active role in the negotiation and passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), will be honored as the Pasadena Independent School District's 2005 Distinguished Alumnus during a special reception in his honor Thursday, March 3.

Solar will be recognized at 6:30 p.m., March 3 at the Pasadena ISD Administration Building, 1515 Cherrybrook.

During Solar's school days in Pasadena ISD, he attended Pomeroy Elementary and San Jacinto Intermediate School before graduating from Sam Rayburn High School. After serving in the United States Army infantry, he attended the University of Houston, where he received both a law degree and a degree in economics.

Solar is the founder and managing partner of Solar and Associates L.L.P. The firm provides services to many domestic and international clients, including Fortune 500 firms, and civic and charitable organizations. Along with his firm's role in the NAFTA negotiations, Solar has received other recognitions for his efforts, including being named one of Texas Business Magazine's "50 Most Powerful Texans." He also serves as the legal counsel for the Republic of Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Solar has helped promote a stronger sense of community by serving on many local and national boards, including his service as national director of the Children's Defense Fund. He serves on executive boards of M.D. Anderson Hospital and the Greater Houston Partnership. Solar also is a commissioner for the Port of Houston Authority.

Solar has received recognition for his civic efforts, including the Community Service Award from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the Milton Popkin Community Service Award from the Anti-Defamation League.

"Through his service to his fellow man, J. Michael Solar demonstrates a great deal of integrity," said Dr. Rick Schneider, Pasadena ISD superintendent. "He is most deserving of this award."

In addition, Solar has served as a lecturer at many academic, professional, business and civic forms worldwide. He also has contributed to various professional publications.

Solar is a member of various statewide, national and international legal organizations. His efforts in these organizations earned him a Presidential Citation from the State Bar of Texas. He also serves as a director at the University of Houston Law Center.

Solar is married, and he and his wife Dr. Patricia Solar, have four children.

All Distinguished Alumnus and Distinguished Citizens are honored with a plaque on the Walk of Honor in front of the Administration Building. The building is located at 1515 Cherrybrook in Pasadena, Texas.

The Distinguished Alumnus Award This award recognizes an alumnus who has made significant contributions to society and whose accomplishments and career have brought credit to the Pasadena school district. Click here to print out a copy of the eligibility criteria and the nomination form for future award consideration


		Past Award Winners
Internationally known attorney, civic leader named Pasadena ISD's 2005 Distinguished Alumnus Sam Rayburn High School 1971 graduate and Houston attorney J. Michael Solar, who played an active role in the negotiation and passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), will be honored as the Pasadena Independent School District's 2005 Distinguished Alumnus during a special reception in his honor Thursday, March 3. Solar will be recognized at 6:30 p.m., March 3 at the Pasadena ISD Administration Building, 1515 Cherrybrook. During Solar's school days in Pasadena ISD, he attended Pomeroy Elementary and San Jacinto Intermediate School before graduating from Sam Rayburn High School. After serving in the United States Army infantry, he attended the University of Houston, where he received both a law degree and a degree in economics. Solar is the founder and managing partner of Solar and Associates L.L.P. The firm provides services to many domestic and international clients, including Fortune 500 firms, and civic and charitable organizations. Along with his firm's role in the NAFTA negotiations, Solar has received other recognitions for his efforts, including being named one of Texas Business Magazine's "50 Most Powerful Texans." He also serves as the legal counsel for the Republic of Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Solar has helped promote a stronger sense of community by serving on many local and national boards, including his service as national director of the Children's Defense Fund. He serves on executive boards of M.D. Anderson Hospital and the Greater Houston Partnership. Solar also is a commissioner for the Port of Houston Authority. Solar has received recognition for his civic efforts, including the Community Service Award from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the Milton Popkin Community Service Award from the Anti-Defamation League. "Through his service to his fellow man, J. Michael Solar demonstrates a great deal of integrity," said Dr. Rick Schneider, Pasadena ISD superintendent. "He is most deserving of this award." In addition, Solar has served as a lecturer at many academic, professional, business and civic forms worldwide. He also has contributed to various professional publications. Solar is a member of various statewide, national and international legal organizations. His efforts in these organizations earned him a Presidential Citation from the State Bar of Texas. He also serves as a director at the University of Houston Law Center. Solar is married, and he and his wife Dr. Patricia Solar, have four children. All Distinguished Alumnus and Distinguished Citizens are honored with a plaque on the Walk of Honor in front of the Administration Building. The building is located at 1515 Cherrybrook in Pasadena, Texas.
		2004 Dr. Paul Zanowiak, a 1965 SHHS graduate, was honored posthumously. He operated an area dental practice, The Smile Store, and performed humanitarian work locally and overseas. 2003 Martin Cominsky, a 1976 PHS graduate who is the executive director for the southwest division of the Anti-Defamation League 2002 Ernest William "Bill" Allen, M.D., a 1951 PHS graduate was honored posthumously for his numerous accomplishments and discoveries in Nuclear Medicine. 2001 Ralph W. "Bill" Shock, a 1954 PHS graduate who is a retiree of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and volunteer at Parks Elementary. 2000 Ben Meador Jr., a 1957 PHS graduate who is president and chief executive officer of Meador Staffing Services. 1999 Bill McMillin, a 1958 PHS graduate who owns McMillin Insurance and Real Estate in Pasadena. 1998 Robert Smith, a 1971 PHS graduate who is managing partner of the law firm of Dewey Ballantine in Los Angeles, California. 1997 Larry Forehand, a 1962 graduate of PHS and founder and vice-president of Casa Ole' Restaurants 1996 the former Jonah Boyd, a 1955 graduate of PHS and principal of L.F. Smith Elementary from 1971-1995