Associates described Aubrey Anderson as an authoritative and inspirational man who left an indelible mark on Lake Highlands.

When Mr. Anderson died October 17, 2003 at age 94, the founding principal of Lake Highlands High School was remembered fondly by former students, faculty and administrators, many of whom credited him with influencing their careers.

"There were a number of people in that building that went on to administration with the school district. Mr. Anderson seemed to take pride in that," said Jacky Russell, a retired math teacher and coach. "He inspired me. He was one of those straight arrows that come along every once in a while."

Mr. Anderson grew up in Randolph, Texas. He served in the Army Air Force in World War II and earned a master's degree from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M-Commerce). He helped open a school in Memphis, Tennessee, before moving with his wife, Lonnie, and two children, Michael and Ann, to Richardson in 1960.

Those who knew him said Mr. Anderson provided a steady foundation for the fledgling Lake Highlands school, which had its first graduating class in 1964. It moved from what is now Lake Highlands Junior High School into the current high school the following year.

Charles Carona, one of the first graduates, returned to the school as an assistant principal. He was later principal at J.J. Pearce High School and is now dean of education at Dallas Baptist University.

Dr. Carona said the excitement and energy at the high school during its first few years charged him for a career in school administration.

"We got to pick the school colors and the mascot," he said. "There were some wonderful teachers. There was a school spirit there that you don't find many places. And it's still there."

Mr. Anderson was a "hands-on" principal who usually was in the halls chatting with teachers and students.

"In the '60s, Lake Highlands was kind of like a little family," said Jerry McVay, who was a teacher in the beginning and later served as a guidance counselor. "There were only about 130 students in the first graduating class. Everybody was real close. And he fostered that kind of atmosphere."

Mr. Anderson left his stamp on the district in other ways, too. He was a charter member of the Richardson Retired Teachers Association. And the Lake Highlands honor society named its chapter after him.

After retiring in the late 1970s, Mr. Anderson continued to inspire and help others as an elder and member of Richardson East Church of Christ.

A memorial service took place at Restland Memorial Park and Mr. Anderson's burial was in Randolph.

[NOTE: This article was written by Sarah Post and appeared in The Dallas Morning News on Saturday, October 25, 2003.]