Class of 2007

Gary Owens is a Splendora High School Class of 2006 graduate. Following high school, he joined the United States Air Force. Gary served as an electrician in the Civil Engineer Squadron for eight years. He deployed to Iraq, Qatar, and Afghanistan during his time in the military. Catelynn Spates Owens graduated from Splendora High School in 2007. Not long after graduation, Catelynn joined Gary at Hickam AFB near Honolulu, HI, where they were married on August 31, 2007. 

The Owens moved back to Splendora to be closer to family and friends when Gary separated from the military in 2014. Gary has worked for United Parcel Service (UPS) for the past eight years, and Catelynn received her nursing degree and is an ICU nurse with Memorial Hermann. During their 15 years of marriage, the two have welcomed two daughters, Kyleigh and Ashton. Kyleigh is 11 years old, and Ashton is nine, and they both attend Timber Lakes Elementary. 

What does it mean to be a Wildcat? "It means having our children in a district where we grew up and knowing the people who teach them. It means knowing they are safe because our friends keep an eye on them and love and care for our children as much as we do. It means living in a smaller community where you know almost everyone, and everyone comes together during times of need. It means not giving up on your dreams and having the Wildcat drive and motivation to follow through with your goals and aspirations. Splendora ISD does cultivate exceptional people, and we are proud to raise our children in this district."

Meagan Weldon Diaz is a remarkable 2007 graduate of Splendora High School. While at Splendora High, Meagan showcased her athletic prowess across multiple sports, leaving her mark by setting a school record in the shot put. Her talent earned her a 4-time district champion title in shot put and discus. On the softball diamond, Meagan stood out as a 4-year starter, achieving the prestigious honor of being an All-State player.

Post-graduation, Meagan secured a scholarship and showcased her skills as a second baseman for Baylor University, contributing to the triumph of the 2011 Women's College World Series team. Following a significant tenure teaching and coaching in high school and travel softball teams spanning nine years, Meagan embarked on her collegiate coaching journey in 2020. Currently, in her fourth season as an assistant softball coach at Baylor University, she oversees the defense and assists with refining hitting techniques.

Beyond the softball field, Meagan relishes moments with her husband, Isaac, and their daughter, Olivia. Together, they find joy in attending Baylor athletic events, participating in worship at their church, and actively engaging in their community. Meagan embodies athletic excellence and a commitment to family, faith, and community involvement.

When asked what does it mean to be a Wildcat, Meagan replied, "To me, it means taking pride in everything you do, having a work ethic that no one else does, performing at your best 1000% of the time (even when you don't feel like it), and being a leader. Splendora is home and where my family planted a strong foundation for me to grow up in. Being a coach's kid and having older, successful 'Wildcats' to look up to my whole life made me eager to one day be in their shoes. I will forever be thankful to be a Splendora Wildcat." 

Kolby Thornton graduated from Splendora High School Class of 2007. During his high school career, he participated in FFA, athletic training, and the National Honor Society. During Kolby's senior year, he was voted "Most Outgoing," selected to the Senior Hall of Fall, and served on the Student Council. 

Since earning his bachelor's degree in Business Management from Texas A&M Corpus Christi in 2011, Kolby has worked as a Catastrophe Insurance Adjuster for residential and commercial insurance claims across the United States. Kolby enjoys his career, as it allows him to travel and help people in need.

When asked what it means to be a Wildcat, "Splendora taught me a much larger sense of community and community involvement. Being a 3rd generation Splendora graduate, I have been involved with and witnessed a community support system that is unlike any other. From the community gathering to help rescue people and animals during Hurricane Harvey to, more recently, our teachers, past and present, traveling to Nashville to support one of our community members as he sang at the Grand Ole Opry. I keep in touch with former teachers and students, strengthening my bond with my hometown. Being a Wildcat teaches you to be a part of a much larger community for the rest of your life."