Teachers, administrators and students are frantically preparing for the debut of Tomball's second high school, Tomball Memorial.

"As we open Tomball Memorial High School, we are creating a new page in our districts history," Superintendent John Neubauer said. "I commend our staff members, architects and contractors for their hard work and dedication to this project. It is a beautiful campus and we are excited."

The 350,000-square-foot facility is set to open Aug. 22, the first day of classes for Tomball ISD.

The facility was paid for with part of a 2007 bond issue passed by voters. The bond provided the district with $198 million and has allowed for the construction of Canyon Pointe and Creekside Forest elementary schools, a new staff development and technology building, an agriculture project and show barns, transportation annex facility, ancillary services building and a new field house at Tomball High School. The bond also provided expanded services and facilities at Decker Prairie and Lakewood elementary schools, as well as at Tomball Intermediate School.

JROTC instructor 1st Sgt. Anthony Randall is excited for opening day.

"It's a new program, new school and I am really looking forward to it," he said.

Tomball Memorial is set to open with about 900 freshmen and sophomores. This year’s juniors and seniors, throughout the district, will remain at THS for the remainder of their time.

"It would be harder for the older students to change at this point in their tenure,” Tomball

Memorial Principal Carol Houston said. "That's why we are looking to gradually fill the school with all four grade-levels over time."

For soon-to-be sophomore Landry Duhon, it's a chance to be an upperclassman for three years.

"We are setting the standard here," Duhon said. "It's exciting."

The new high school is organized by department and will contain an administrative suite for counselors and an assistant principal for each wing. A cool roofing system, high efficiency chillers and air handlers were also installed to provide a comfortable but green environment.

There are 98 classrooms, 56 of which will have mounted speakers and projectors, 7,500 new library books, 268 student computers, a 750-seat auditorium and numerous wireless access points.

Justin Glenney, a sophomore, added that he feels like he has been presented a gift, while practicing with the newly formed Wildcat Marching Band.

"It's so much fun," he said. "It's like Christmas."

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