Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Attends Cornerstone Ceremony Honoring Amy Coleman Middle School

Satterfield & Pontikes Construction joined Fort Bend ISD, family members, friends, and community leaders to commemorate the legacy of longtime educator Amy Coleman during a cornerstone ceremony at Amy Coleman Middle School, a new campus named in her honor. She was Fort Bend ISD’s first Black female principal, who dedicated nearly 33 years to public education and helped open doors for generations of students and educators. More than 20 years after her passing, the event celebrated a life dedicated to education, service and community leadership.

The ceremony marked a milestone not only for the new school but also for Fort Bend ISD, as speakers reflected on the lasting impact Coleman had on students, educators and families throughout her career in education.

Amy Coleman served as a teacher at Blue Ridge Elementary, assistant principal and principal at Briargate Elementary before becoming the founding principal of Hunters Glen Elementary School in 1985. Throughout her career, she was known as an advocate for students, educators and families, as well as a respected civic leader whose service extended beyond the classroom.

“As the Coleman family celebrated the 21st anniversary this past January of her passing, we celebrate a life that was defined by faith, leadership, service and educational excellence,” said Dr. Krista Coleman. “On behalf of the Coleman family, we are honored by our mother’s legacy, and we know that it’s going to live on through this school.”

Throughout the ceremony, speakers shared personal stories illustrating Coleman’s commitment to helping others succeed. Principal Kyella Griffin said the phrase “service above all else” best captures Coleman’s legacy and the values she hopes the campus will embody.

Several speakers described the profound influence Coleman had on their lives. During a blessing over the school, Dr. Kevin Riles credited Coleman with shaping his educational journey, including encouraging him to attend Morehouse College and advocating on his behalf as a student.

“Amy Coleman changed my life. Amy Coleman changed many people’s lives, and Amy Coleman Middle School will be changing lives,” Riles said.

Family members presented a collection of meaningful keepsakes to be placed within the cornerstone, preserving pieces of Coleman’s story within the school’s foundation for future generations.

The cornerstone ceremony originated from a conversation between the Coleman family and Fort Bend ISD leaders during construction. Rather than privately placing memorabilia on the site, district leaders worked with project partners to create a permanent and public tribute honoring Coleman’s contributions.

“Amy Coleman’s legacy is way too important, way too great to just bury it in the dirt out here,” said Daniel Bankhead, Executive Director of Design and Construction for Fort Bend ISD. “We found the perfect spot and the perfect place to honor Miss Amy Coleman. From now on, generations of middle school students will pass through this gateway and be inspired by her legacy.”

The new middle school will serve as a lasting reminder of Coleman’s contributions to Fort Bend ISD and the community, ensuring future generations of students learn in a school bearing the name of an educator remembered for her faith, service and commitment to excellence.