William Houston

Category
1997
About This Inductee

Bill is one of the most well-rounded and versatile athletes in Easton Area High School history, and earned a record thirteen letters during his career from 1955 through 1959. He was on the Pennsylvania All-State Football Team, the Big 33 Football Team, and in his senior year served on Easton’s undefeated football team, as well as the District II Championship Baseball and Track Teams. He also won the school’s long jump record, and placed 5th in the 1959 state long jump event.

He went on to attend South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, S.C., where he was voted Most Valuable Freshman. He received a master’s degree from North Carolina A & T State University in Greensboro, N.C., and continued his education by receiving certificates from both East Stroudsburg State University and Lehigh University. He began his career as an educator in the Easton Area School District in 1965, first teaching science and physical education at the Wolf and Shull Schools, and also serving as the high school backfield coach from 1965 through 1973. After serving as the assistant principal of Shawnee Intermediate School for over a decade, he was named the first African-American building principal in the Easton Area School District. He currently serves as Director of Support Services for the Easton Area School District.

He has received many community awards for his work with youth, including the “Rainbow Festival Award,” the NAACP 1995 President’s Award, and Easton Day Honoree and Homecoming Award, and a certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.

His positive thinking and concern for all citizens led him to the political arena, and in 1982 he became the first black to be elected to the Easton City Council, and served as its President from 1985-87, 1988-90, and from 1990-92. He has been Chairperson of the Committees for Planning and Development, of the Police, Fire, and Health Boards, and of the Public Works and Public Property Board, helping Easton to reach its current status as a renaissance city.

He is married to Mrs. Elizabeth Houston, the father of four successful children, and a very proud grandfather. He continues to stay very active in service to his community.