2025-2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipients

Tonya M. Hebert Donatto

Tonya M. Hebert Donatto – Liberty High School Salutatorian, Class of 1985

“Who will I be? Still me.” — This quote by Richard J. Margolis, which I shared in my graduation speech, continues to resonate deeply. I embrace who I am and how I give back—to family, friends, work, and community. I live in the present, spreading joy, positivity, and optimism. My smile and infectious personality remain two of my most cherished qualities.

I began my journey with Liberty ISD in HeadStart, skipped Kindergarten, and entered first grade. I attended San Jacinto, Sam Houston Elementary, and Liberty Middle School—campuses that no longer exist in their original form. Today, only the high school remains where I once walked its halls.

Throughout my school years, I was deeply involved in athletics (basketball, volleyball, track & field—we earned ribbons, not trophies), cheerleading, theater, pep/spirit squad, choir, UIL competitions, and countless academic activities including science and math teams. I was a National Honor Society member and even took college courses after school. I tutored peers and younger students, a passion that continued through college and beyond. Some of my favorite teachers included Ms. Robertson, Ms. Eckols, Ms. Henry, Ms. Watson, Ms. Ripkowski, Ms. Chambers, Ms. Melasky, Coach Turner, and Coach Munson.

Liberty ISD is a family tradition. Victor graduated in 1984, and our daughters TaNia (2019 Salutatorian & Miss LHS) and Nailah (2023 Salutatorian & Miss LHS) followed in our footsteps. My five younger siblings—Joseph, Odelia, Shawn, Nina, and Stephanie—are also proud LISD alumni.

I earned my Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M, College Station, where I met my best friend Andrea during freshman year. Whoop!

Professionally, I have worked in the oil and gas industry for over 25 years. Starting in administrative support roles, I advanced to a Managerial Professional Technical (MPT) position as an individual contributor holding various leadership roles throughout. In my work journey, I have received numerous safety, appreciation, and community service awards.

Community & Work Contributions:

• Volunteer firefighter, secretary/treasurer, and pump operator with the now-defunct Ames Volunteer Fire Department; trained through Liberty Fire Dept. and certified as an Emergency Care Attendant.
• Member, Liberty County Art League; novice artist and publicist.
• Active member of United Way of Greater Baytown Area & Chambers County (UWGBACC): Community Impact & Investments Committee and Year-Round Grant Review Team.
• Lifelong mentor—formally and informally, inside and outside the workplace.
• Junior Achievement volunteer for over 20 years, teaching K–2 students’ financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.
• Relay For Life volunteer supporting cancer research.
• Numerous volunteer and fundraising efforts through UWGBACC.
• Ally and member of multiple Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
• STEM advocate through programs like Kids at Work and Introduce a Girl to Engineering.
• Organized/Coordinated as a multi-year contributor on the Personnel Safety Committee and Holiday Party Committee at work.

Even with TaNia (Stanford BS ’23, MS ’24) and Nailah (Stanford ’27) now pursuing their own paths, I remain committed to giving back to Liberty ISD. As the eldest of six, I have always embraced the role of a leader and role model. Thank you, Mom and Dad (Ruthie and the late Joseph Hebert)!

Ongoing LISD Involvement:

• Since 2010, volunteer in Ms. Hebert’s Kindergarten classroom on the first and last days of school.
• Attended countless school events, often mistaken for a teacher or coach.
• Keynote speaker for LISD staff kickoff session.
• Member of LISD Memorial Stadium Signage Committee during its rebranding.
• Active participant in LISD Long Range Facilities Planning Committee; presented to the school board twice.
• Treasurer, Liberty Do Re Mi Choir Booster.
• Member, Liberty Band Booster; helped select new band uniforms and presented to the school board.
• Advocate for fine arts in the district.
• Longtime Liberty football season ticket holder.
• Regular attendee of LISD school board meetings.

Looking Ahead: My future goals include continuing volunteer work, retiring from ExxonMobil after 25+ years, serving on a school or nonprofit board, attending the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, traveling to see giraffes in their natural habitat, and giving back wherever I am needed.

I extend heartfelt thanks to my family and friends for their unwavering support. I am deeply honored to be recognized as part of the 2025 Liberty ISD Distinguished Alumnus class. It is a beautiful initiative, and I am proud to be part of it.

Clint Harbour

Clint Harbour was a proud 1993 Honor Graduate of Liberty High School (#4 in his class), where he was voted Mr. LHS, served as Student Council President and Senior Class President, and was always at the heart of Panther spirit. From speech and debate to theater with both LHS and The Valley Players, he was a leader, encourager, and friend to many. His faith was central to his life—he was deeply involved at First United Methodist Church, where summers were filled with Bible School, Music & Arts Week, MYF, and church camp at Lakeview Methodist Assembly.

At the University of Texas at Austin, Clint earned both his bachelor’s and law degrees. Known for his leadership and school pride, he served as Law School Class President and was inducted into the prestigious Friar Society. Clint’s love of community extended beyond the classroom—coaching youth basketball through the YMCA, the Austin Dawgs, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Lower School, and mentoring countless kids along the way.

In 2005, as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar in South Africa, Clint combined his love of Texas history with service, establishing a reading room for children, supporting schools with supplies, and mentoring youth through basketball with Hoops 4 Hope. His adventurous spirit, deep compassion, and gift for connecting with people shone wherever he went.

Professionally, Clint dedicated his career to serving Texans as a respected trial attorney with the Office of the Attorney General. He became a recognized authority on eminent domain law, taught trial advocacy at UT Law, served on the Texas Young Lawyers Association Board of Directors, contributed to the Texas Access to Justice Commission, and even won an Emmy Award for a civil rights documentary. He also shared his love of theater as a member of the Bar & Grill Singers, blending his sharp mind with humor and joy. In 2012, he was named Outstanding Government Lawyer by the State Bar of Texas.

But above all his achievements, Clint never forgot his roots. Born in Liberty, Texas, he proudly carried his hometown with him wherever he went. He called Liberty “God’s Country” and credited his successes to “the town, the school, and the people” who shaped him. At his 30-year high school reunion, in his final public speech, he reminded everyone of the impact Liberty had on their lives.  

As we honor Clint Alfred Harbour, who lost his courageous battle with Glioblastoma on August 30, 2024, we remember he was full of faith, love, laughter, service, and excellence.  He truly embodied what it means to be a Liberty Panther—loyal and true. His legacy continues to inspire all who knew him.

We miss you, Clint, but your light, your laughter, and your love for God, family, and community live on.

Walter Jackson, EdD

Dr. Walter Jackson is nationally recognized as a transformative leader whose approach to leadership underscores his dedication to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for every student. He is well respected among education leaders across Texas and beyond for his visionary perspective, turnaround leadership skill set, wealth of experience, and unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation. 

Superintendent Experience
Following more than 20 years as a teacher and as an administrator at the campus and district levels in Alief ISD, Dr. Jackson was named as the first African American superintendent in Brenham ISD – the oldest school district in Texas. During his five years of service there, the district graduation rates and state test scores increased; he oversaw the opening of an early childhood learning center; and he developed a school district collaboration with Blinn College. In his second year in Brenham, the National School Public Relations Association listed Dr. Jackson among 20 Superintendents to Watch in the nation. In 2019, he was named as the Region 6 Superintendent of the Year and was a finalist for TASB’s State Superintendent of the Year. In 2024, the Texas School Public Relations Association honored Dr. Jackson with its esteemed Key Communicator Award.

He arrived in La Porte ISD in 2020, during a global pandemic and facilitated among the first returns to in-person learning in greater Houston and Texas. As was the case in Brenham, La Porte has also seen increases in graduation rates and state test scores. Developing innovative partnerships is part of Dr. Jackson’s leadership trademark and, as a result, collaborations have grown exponentially under his charge. In addition to Project Launch, a partnership with the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where fifth and sixth graders take STEM-related courses that are taught by university professors and graduate students, La Porte ISD also partners with San Jacinto College, which provides high school students the opportunity to earn a free associate degree. He also facilitated the expansion of STEM Academies to all campuses, and regularly oversees partnership development to benefit the district’s Career & Technical Education programs. 

Additionally, under his leadership, the district was named as a statewide H-E-B Excellence in Education District Finalist; six elementary schools were listed on the U.S. News and World Report ‘Best Elementary Schools’ list; and Niche rated La Porte among its Best Schools. 

In 2023, Dr. Jackson's exceptional leadership was pivotal in the successful passage of a $235 million bond during a nationwide inflationary period. Despite economic challenges, he adeptly navigated budgetary concerns and garnered support from diverse stakeholders, achieving historic approval margins. 

Fiscal Responsibility and Innovation
Dr. Jackson's leadership is marked by a dedication to fiscal responsibility and prioritizing classroom needs. His strategic fiscal management not only facilitated multiple employee pay raises but also ensured that La Porte ISD maintains a robust fund balance. Further, his vision to reignite the district’s Partners in Education program has resulted in continuous donations of valuable goods and services at all campuses by local industries, small businesses, and volunteers.  

Educational Ethos 
Dr. Jackson describes himself as a “cultural architect” and “equity warrior,” always seeking to create opportunities for students to take advantage of the public education system while pursuing the American Dream. He strongly believes that a child’s destiny is not determined by zip code, and that there is nothing impossible to the people that believe in the transformative powers of a Great God and a good education. Dr. Jackson often says “Students are afforded one time to be in school,” and he believes it is the role of professional educators to make this the most positive and impactful experience for all students. 

Vision for La Porte ISD 
As superintendent of La Porte ISD, Dr. Jackson remains dedicated to providing students with a world-class educational experience through ongoing innovation. His continuous goals include improving student achievement, expanding opportunities for creativity and exploration, and fostering a safe, collaborative learning environment. Dr. Jackson places a strong emphasis on effective communication, community involvement, and maintaining exacting standards of educational excellence. 

Professional and Service Organizations 
He currently serves as the Region 4 representative on TASA's Executive Committee, UIL Legislative Council, Texas Association of School Administrators, and serves on the Governing Board of AASA, The School Superintendent’s Association.  Dr. Jackson is a Rotarian Paul Harris Fellow, and a member of the La Porte Rotary Club) which selected him as the 2021 Rotarian of the Year), La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, La Porte Education Foundation, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Board, and the Holdsworth Center's Leadership Cohort. 

Education 
Dr. Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Southern University, a Master of Education in Administration from Prairie View A&M University, and a Doctor of Education from Baylor University. His post-graduate studies have taken him to the Harvard Graduate School of Education on four separate occasions, where he earned the university’s esteemed Professional Leadership Certificate. Jackson also earned an Advanced Management Certificate from Rice University.  

He is an alum of Education Class III of the American Leadership Forum Houston-Galveston Chapter. He is a member of the 2012 class of Leadership Houston and is also a graduate of the National SUPES Academy, a Chicago-based superintendent preparation program. Jackson has additionally completed the Thompson Executive Leadership Institute through the Region 13 Service Center.   

In February 2020, Dr. Jackson was selected as one of only 20 U.S. recipients to receive the prestigious Fulbright International Fellowship to travel to Singapore as a Fulbright Scholar. This Fellowship was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but Jackson was able to resume his Fulbright Fellowship research in the summer of 2022, when he spent two weeks in Singapore intensely studying its public education system.  

A passionate lifelong learner, Dr. Jackson’s love of learning and leading has also supported his travels to learn and research international school systems such as: China, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Austria, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. 

Personal 
Dr. Jackson and his wife Tanya have been married for 28 years, and are the proud parents of daughter Bailey, a 2023 La Porte High School graduate who attends college, and son Braelin, who is a classroom teacher in southwest Houston. They also have one grandchild. Dr. Jackson enjoys attending local churches, community, sporting, and social events, and visiting schools to meet students and teachers on a regular schedule and playing with his poodles Ace and Coco.  

Liberty ISD Distinguished Alumni Criteria

The purpose of the Distinguished Alumnus Award is to honor deserving Liberty Independent School District alumni who have excelled in their field, made significant contributions to their community, and served as a positive role model and leader.

 

Guidelines:

Nominees must be an alumnus of Liberty ISD:

• Nominees must be graduates of Liberty ISD.
• Nominations will only be accepted for alumni who have been out of school for at least 15 years or more, which would include graduates of Liberty High School from 2009 and earlier. 
• Nominations can be awarded posthumously.
• Nominees must meet the criteria for recognition as stated in the purpose.
• Recipients will be selected by the Liberty ISD Distinguished Alumni Committee.
• All nominations are subject to verification.
• Nominations are open every year in July. We look forward to hearing the impact our graduates are making around the world.

 

Committee Requirements

• Committee members are appointed by the school board.
• Candidates must not be a member of the Selection Committee when considered for induction.

Inductee Requirements

• Individuals selected for induction into the Liberty ISD Distinguished Alumni will be responsible for and must agree to the following:
   
  • Participate in a videotaped interview conducted by Liberty ISD Communications Department prior to the event.
  • Submission of a professional photo.
    • Inductees may arrange to have a professional photo taken by the Liberty ISD Communications at no charge.
  • Provide additional news articles, photos, and video (if available) to the Liberty ISD Communications that will help highlight your career.

Distinguished Alumni Ceremony

• The Distinguished Alumni Ceremony is held each year at the Homecoming Football Game.