It’s been more than just a tradition – education has been a priority for the Freeman family since 1898, when widower Joe Freeman came from Iowa to what would eventually be Katy, Texas.

The Freeman family – in addition to launching successful rice farming and cattle operations -- also sowed the seeds of community service and made sacrifices so that the Freeman children could have a strong education.

On March 3, Katy ISD officially dedicated Freeman High School, proudly honoring the Freeman family’s service to the Katy community. Since the late 19th century, the Freeman family has been part of the Katy community, with members serving as mayors, school board and city council members and part of the volunteer fire department. Now with its sixth generation in Katy ISD schools, the Freeman family remains a strong proponent of education in the area.

“The Freeman family has made a lasting and meaningful impact on the Katy community,” said Ken Gregorski, Katy ISD Superintendent. “Their dedication to education, agriculture and community service has left a legacy that continues to shape both Katy ISD and the City of Katy.”  

Gina Cobb, school principal, emceed the event. Representing the Freeman family on stage were Lynn Freeman and her daughter, Carla Freeman Mattingly. Freeman shared that from the beginning, the Freemans ensured that their children knew the importance of an education, as evidenced by the many teachers in the family over the generations. Including Lynn Freeman, eight members of the Freeman family who are currently educators were present in the audience, along with dozens of other members of the clan. Mattingly noted that the name of the school’s mascot – Boss, the Golden Eagle --is named after Mr. Freeman, who was affectionately nicknamed “Boss.” 

Even the proclamations read by elected officials were a little different this time. The special presentation by Texas State Representative Mike Schofield was penned by his chief of staff, Annie Callegari St. Paul, who herself is also a Freeman descendant. Schofield said that this occasion might have been the first time that a legislative recognition had been written by a member of the family being honored.

Additional proclamations and recognitions were presented by Paula Gibson, District Director for Texas Senator Lois Kolkhorst; Maida Guillen, Community Engagement Coordinator for Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones; and Dusty Thiele, mayor of the City of Katy.

The school’s music program was on full display throughout the evening, as a string ensemble greeted guests in the foyer of the Performing Arts Center. The Freeman High School Choir performed the national anthem, and all of the musicians from the school’s band, choir and orchestra came together to close the evening with the school song.

Built as part of the voter-approved bond in 2021, Freeman High School is located at 7800 Katy Hockley Road and serves families in Katy ISD’s rapidly growing northwest quadrant. The school opened in August 2024, welcoming freshmen and sophomores to the Golden Eagle family.