The school song is still in the back of their minds as they come back to their alma mater to inspire students who stand where they stood long ago. These teachers are true to heart Wildkats who bleed purple and white.

Many Wildkat alumni returned to teach at their alma mater. Former students turned teachers remember the town of Willis so much differently than how it is now. Even the school is in a different place then where it was originally.

“We were at Lynn Lucas back then, this building did not open up until after I left WHS, but most people know that,” world history teacher Michael Robinson said. “Not only has the school grown, the town is so much bigger. I can remember the time when the Willis Supermarket (formally Blairs) was the only grocery store in town, and the only thing on the highway at 1097 were two gas stations on the West side. We were excited when the McDonalds and Jack-in-the-box finally came to town. If you could find video of someone driving from downtown Willis to 45 on 1097, you would be amazed at how empty it was – TJ’s and the laundry mat were about the only thing on the street back then.”

New teachers who went to WHS share special connections with their new co-workers because they used to teach and influence them when they were students.

“Working with staff members who used to be my own teachers has been so amazing,” English teacher Summer Rains said. “I knew I would feel at home coming back to Willis, but the encouragement and support that I’ve received since I returned has been more than I had ever imagined. All the fears I had about being a first year teacher were quickly wiped away by all the friendly faces and supporting mentors I’ve gotten to reconnect with.”

Some teachers choose to come back to help the school and community that helped and encourage them to proceed in their academic career.

“I have a sense of pride about pouring back into the school I came from,” college and career counselor Brittany Wheaton said. “My children also attend the same elementary school I attended many years ago.” 

Some kids want to escape the small town vibe that Willis creates right after graduation. But somehow life brings some people right back home to Willis.

“I did escape after graduation,” English teacher Laura Brackin said. “I moved to Florida, then California, then Colorado. I came back to Texas nine years after I left because my mother was sick, and the family wanted to be together. Even then, I didn’t find myself back in Willis until 2020 (34 years after I graduated). I guess you can say I came back to roost after a lifetime of adventure.”

Some graduates leave Willis to only find out that there’s no place like Willis to call home. 

“I left Willis and went to Lufkin then Mississippi,” theater teacher Cassandra Matlock said. “I came back because my family was here. I have a strong belief that no matter where you go, YOU are the person who makes the location you are great or not. You could live in paradise and be miserable. I live in the middle of the woods in peace and quiet and it is magical.”