Not every student finds interest in athletics or fine arts programs, which leaves them without an orchestra concert or football game for their parents to watch them star in. 

But at Sam Rayburn High School, all students have one night a year to shine through the school’s annual “Operation Cooperation.” 

Operation Cooperation is a unique program at Sam Rayburn that allows all students from special education to National Honor Society to participate in an evening event to showcase their talents—whatever they may be. 

Involving more than 1,000 students, 150 faculty and staff, parents, and the community, everyone works together to make the night a special one. 

Operation Cooperation coordinator Meleissa Creel said the program falls in line with the district’s Expectation Graduation initiative, which is a plan designed to lead students to successful high school experiences through rigor, relevance and building relationships. 

“There couldn’t be a better way to exhibit team work, cooperation and our students’ talents than through this evening event,” Creel said. “Not only is this program innovative, but it allows students and staff to participate in a school-wide activity, as well as serve the community through different involvements such as food drives.” 

To ensure various school departments don’t have to use their annual budget for the event, the school has applied for and received a $5,000 grant to fund the program for the last three years. But this year, the school is requesting financial assistance from the business community, as the grant was not awarded for this year’s program. 

The $5,000 purchases everything needed to make the event happen from invitations to supplies. To begin preparation for the anticipated November event, a financial commitment is needed no later than Oct. 1. 

For further information about the program and how to help, please contact Creel at 713-740-0030, extension 02102, or e-mail her at mcreel@pasadenaisd.org.