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Splendora ISD

Cultivating Exceptional People

Class of 1984

Class of 1984

Rhea Cunningham Young

A woman with glasses and a light green shirt smiles, holding a speckled puppy.

Rhea Young, a proud member of the Class of 1984, has always embodied Wildcat pride. During her high school years, she excelled as the drum major for the band in her senior year and played a leading role in the UIL one-act play, where she and her cast and crew advanced to the Regional competition. Rhea’s talents extended beyond the arts; she graduated eighth in her class and was actively involved in the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Future Teachers of America.


Rhea’s educational journey is deeply rooted in SISD, where she spent all twelve years as a Wildcat, from first grade through graduation. She fondly recalls the exceptional teachers who shaped her path and credits much of her success to their dedication and her parents' strong emphasis on education.

Her Wildcat spirit was so strong that after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching from Sam Houston State University, she returned to the district to give back. Rhea taught Geography and English at SHS before advancing her education with a Master’s in Library Science, eventually becoming the district librarian.

Rhea is married to Gary Young, and together, they have three children: Ashe (SHS Class of 2005), Evan (SHS Class of 2008), and Barrett (SHS Class of 2012). They have seven grandchildren: Layla, Waylon, Marcus, Christian, Avery, Brandon (SHS Class of 2022), and Jaxon, a current seventh grader at Splendora Junior High. Rhea takes great pride in sharing the Wildcat experience with her family.

After 12 years as a student and 32 years as an educator in SISD, Rhea retired from education to take on a new role as the Library Director for the Montgomery County Memorial Library System. This position allows her to continue serving the community she loves, and her passion for education remains unwavering.

For Rhea, being a Wildcat is integral to her identity. “Being a Wildcat means embracing deep-rooted traditions and a strong sense of family,” she reflects. “I am proud to have graduated from SISD and returned as a teacher. My experiences as a Wildcat taught me to stand up for what is right, lead with passion and determination, and never give up on my goals. I will always be a Wildcat and a supporter of fellow Wildcats. It’s always a great day to be a Wildcat!”