Myrtle and John Hightower Endowment

John Hightower graduated from Morton High School in Taft, Oklahoma. Mr. Hightower attended college at Huston-Tillotson College in Austin. He graduated Cum Laude with degrees in biology and mathematics. Later, he earned his master’s degree in administration from Texas Southern University. Then worked toward doctorates at the UNT and the University of California in Sacramento. He began teaching science at Douglass High School. Mr. Hightower was involved in numerous community and civic affairs in the city of Plano.

Dr. Myrtle Hightower grew up with 5 siblings in Fort Gibson Oklahoma and entered Langston University at the age of 15 where she later earned a bachelor’s degree in English. Dr. Hightower also earned a Master of Teaching degree from Northeastern State University and a PhD from the University of Cincinnati. Myrtle worked in PISD for many years as a teacher and counselor. She has served on many committees and boards throughout Plano and has been honored with numerous awards. To name a few, she was selected as one of Plano ISD’s 100 Heros, Collin College Living Legacy, 2013 Citizen of the Year, and a recipient of the Texas Hero for Children Award. Because of their resounding voice in the community, Plano ISD named an elementary school after the Hightowers.