The Brazosport Independent School District annually celebrates its rich history and heritage by honoring outstanding graduates with selection to the Brazosport Independent School District Wall of Fame. This year, Brazosport Independent School District selected three outstanding graduates as Wall of Fame recipients:
Judge Richard 'Rick' Hill
Mr. Johnnie Redden
Monsignor Leo Wleczyk
BISD began the recognition of graduates who have demonstrated a high level of achievement in their field of endeavor, who have made significant contributions through achievement, service or leadership in 2007. Since then, with the addition of Hill, Redden and Wleczyk, thirty-one graduates have been honored.
On Friday, November 1, BISD and Brazoswood High School will honor Judge Rick Hill for his service and leadership. Then on Friday, November 8, BISD and Brazosport High School will honor Freeport High School graduate Mr. Johnnie Redden and Brazosport High School graduate Monsignor Leo Wleczyk.
Judge Richard 'Rick' Hill - Brazoswood High School Class of 1976
Richard G. “Rick” Hill attended Lake Jackson Intermediate School and graduated from Brazoswood High School in 1976. Mr. Hill is an Air Force veteran. He holds a BS and MS from Texas A&M. He is a retired teacher of Chemistry & Physical Science, administrator for College Station ISD and adjunct professor at Texas A&M. Rick has also been involved in community activities for many years, including:
- Public Address Announcer for various College Station ISD sports for over 30 years
- Currently announcing A&M Consolidated HS & College Station HS Football
- MC/Name Reader at TAMU Graduations for the past 20 years
- Consultant to the Head of School at St. Thomas Early Learning Center
- A member of the Junior League of Bryan/College Station Community Advisory Board
- Former Adjunct Professor in Health & Kinesiology & University Supervisor at Texas A&M
- Member of American Legion Earl Graham Post #159
- Faculty Member for the Texas Justice Court Training Center
- Current President-Elect of the Justices of the Peace and Constables Assoc. of TX
Judge Hill is currently serving as the Brazos County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3.
​Johnnie Redden - Freeport High School Class of 1948
Johnnie Redden, a 1948 graduate of Freeport High School, is a lifelong resident of the Brazosport Area. Born in 1929 in Freeport, he lived in that community until he completed his college degree at the University of Houston in 1955. In the fall of 1955, he and his wife Wanda moved to Lake Jackson, where he began his 35 year career with BISD. As he concluded his tenure in BISD, he left behind a legacy of outstanding service, strong personal integrity, excellent leadership and earned respect from those with whom he attended school, worked with at the campus and administration levels, hired, taught and coached.
After retiring, Mr. Redden has served in leadership positions with the Brazosport Association of Retired School Personnel. He served for many years as the president of the association. He was privileged to be part of the legislative push that led to the largest raise in the history of the Teacher Retirement System. In 2015, Mr. Redden received a Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Service from the Brazosport Association of Retired School Personnel for his many years of service.
Mr. Redden's work did not stop with BISD. Over the years, he has taught math courses that were sponsored by the Dow Chemical Company to men in industry. He has also served as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, within his church along with serving in many other community organizations.
Monsignor Leo Wleczyk - Brazosport High School Class of 1957
Leo Wleczyk, a 1957 graduate of Brazosport High School, dedicated his life to the service of those in need. Wleczyk was ordained as Catholic Priest on May 27, 1965. In his career, Father Leo has served six parishes, with St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Lake Jackson being his last, serving there for an unprecedented 35 years. In service to his church, Msgr. Leo has been named:
- Dean of the Southwest Deanery
- Monsignor of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
- Dean of the Southern Deanery
- Episcopal Vicar of the Southern Vicariate - in this role, Msgr. Leo served as Cardinal Daniel DiNardo’s representative for approximately 30 Catholic parishes in the Southern Vicariate.
Msgr. Leo was and is an active member of the Brazosport Ministerial Alliance, serving along with clergy from various denominations in the Lake Jackson, Clute and Freeport area.
Just recently retired, Msgr. Leo can still be found ministering to those in need, celebrating Mass in area churches and giving his time and talents to many throughout the Brazosport area. Msgr. Leo is currently a Priest in Residence at St. Jerome Parish in Clute.