For over twenty years, Livingston ISD has chosen Scholarship Night activities to pay tribute to the Outstanding Graduates of Livingston schools.

In previous years, over 100 graduates of either Livingston High School or Livingston Dunbar High School have been honored for their commitment to enhancing the lives of others.

These honorees have included many of the greatest achievers, but more than that, the list contains people who, wherever they chose to call home, made their community better through their compassionate actions.

Two individuals who share the common trait of giving to make the next generation better, stronger, and more caring.

George C. Harrell was a 1965 graduate of Livingston High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Sam Houston State University and his vocational industrial education certification from Texas A&M University. He served seventeen years on the LISD School Board. His leadership included 40 years on the Polk County Farm Bureau, over 30 years on the Bluff Creek Cemetery board, and five years for USDA Farm Services.

He was loved, respected, and known for his talents and the pride he took in every job. He was a patriot who loved his country and lived by the ideals which it was founded on. He served the Polk County community in many capacities. He was a deacon at Central Baptist Church and served as a Board member, Sunday School teacher, and member of many other committees. He coached and supported community and school sports and events, and served as a chaperone and promoter of many school and community events.

George taught science and vocational industrial education and ran George Harrell Construction for more than 50 years. His footprints and woodworking can be found all over Polk County and in many states. He loved his family and his wife of 53 years, Phyllis. Before he left this earth, he set the example of hard work, a strong work ethic, love of God, patriotism, and music, to his son, Kyle, and grandchildren, Hope, Lily, and Fuller George.

The second outstanding graduate, Kyle Harrell, is a 1993 graduate of Livingston High School, where he was a standout scholar and athlete. He went on to Texas State University, where he lettered in football and earned a Bachelor of Science. Kyle coached and taught at Caney Creek High School, Cinco Ranch High School, Great Hearts Monte Vista, and Living Rock Academy, and was an assistant football and strength and conditioning coach at Texas State. He is in the Texas State T-Association Hall of Honor and has served on the Texas State T-Association Board of Directors for 27 years.

Kyle is a friend to all and is a respected member of his church and community in San Antonio. He serves on the security team at First Chinese Baptist Church, where he has also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. In addition, he currently serves in ministry with Shatter Ops and other organizations that focus on healing trauma, abuse, and trafficking survivors. He serves on the board of Texas State University’s chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletics and is co-founder and Vice-President of Pathagility, a lab software company.

Kyle and his wife, Elissa, have been married for 21 years and have three children, Hope, Lily, and Fuller George.

Livingston ISD is proud to honor both George and Kyle Harrell as the Outstanding Graduates for 2025.