First high school in Colony Ridge officially opens

The newest chapter in education for the Colony Ridge community officially began on Friday, July 31, as International Leadership of Texas celebrated the grand opening of ILTexas Liberty High School with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new campus, located at 1040 CR 5740.

The event marked a historic moment for the community, as ILTexas Liberty High School became the first high school built in the Colony Ridge community. The new campus will serve students in grades 9 through 12 and gives students from ILTexas BG Ramirez K-8 and ILTexas MSG Ramirez K-8 the opportunity to continue their education through graduation within the ILTexas system.

The ceremony began with the presentation of the colors by the campus JROTC Color Guard, followed by the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” led by JROTC students.

Parents, students, elected officials, community leaders, and local residents gathered to celebrate the opening. Among those in attendance were Liberty County Precinct 6 Constable Zack Harkness, Colony Ridge developers Trey Harris and John Harris, Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce President Victoria Good, and many other community members.

Principal Griselle Diaz spoke about the journey that brought the school to this milestone and praised the students who helped build the school’s culture before the permanent campus was completed.

“For the past three years, our students have built something extraordinary while learning and working in portable classrooms,” Diaz said.

She told those in attendance that, despite the challenges, students continued to excel.

“Our students have shown resilience, determination, and leadership every single day. They have represented ILTexas Liberty High School with excellence.”

Diaz shared several examples of the school’s accomplishments, including two Model United Nations students who received a prestigious award at the National Model UN Conference in New York City. She also recognized students who were accepted into highly competitive programs at the University of Chicago and Princeton University, saying their achievements show the impact ILTexas students are making both inside and outside the classroom.

ILTexas Founder and Superintendent Eddie Conger reflected on how the school first became a reality.

“A few years ago, when I was driving south on I-45, I got a phone call from the Commissioner of Education, and he said, ‘Have you ever heard of Liberty County and Cleveland?’ I said, ‘No sir, I have not.’ He said, ‘I want you to drive out through there.'”

Conger explained that after visiting the area, he met community developers Trey Harris, John Harris, and Heath Marek, who shared their vision for bringing educational opportunities to the growing community.

“I can tell you, in all of the areas of Texas that I have traveled to, I have never met developers that truly, truly care about the people in the community more than those three gentlemen,” Conger said.

He recalled stopping at an intersection where they jokingly but sincerely signed a napkin to symbolize their commitment to making the school a reality.

“I still have that napkin,” he said. “We all said yes, we are committed.”

Following the speeches, community members, staff, and students gathered outside the entrance for the official ribbon-cutting. Guests then toured the new campus, visited classrooms, and enjoyed refreshments and snacks.