It’s been more than 25 years since Franklin D. Roosevelt High School alum Paul Mitchell (Class of 1990) roamed the halls of his alma mater, but what he learned there as a student—pride, respect, responsibility—still guides his life today.
AlumNow, The Hub feature that profiles district alumni, checked in with Mitchell to see what he’s been up to since graduating from Dallas ISD.
What are you doing now?
I’m a Dallas ISD police officer assigned to James Madison High School.
Briefly list a few of your career and/or personal highlights.
- Graduated from Texas Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in public affairs (criminal justice major) (sociology minor)
- Member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity of Dallas Masonic Lodge #654
- Received Officer of the Year 2013, Dallas ISD Police
What was your favorite subject or activity/involvement in high school?
Playing trumpet in the Roosevelt Marching Band under the leadership of William Robertson and playing baseball under Coach Sam West. I was also part of Fellowship of Christians Athletics.
Who was your favorite teacher?
Mr. George Galbreath (former assistant band director) because he put a trumpet in my hand at Roger Q. Mills Elementary where he volunteered and introduced young students to music. He taught me how to read music and always believed in me. At Roosevelt, he continued to teach and prepare all students for success. Also, Mrs. Clemons who was a mother figure for me and all Roosevelt students up until her retirement last year.
What lesson did you learn in high school or beyond that has served you well through the years?
Our school motto is “Pride, Respect, and Responsibility.” As I moved on and graduated, the motto became part of my blueprint to success. Our principal at the time, Mr. Melvin Traylor, still keeps in touch and attends our class reunions. He still gives us the speeches on continuing to display “Pride, Respect, and Responsibility” and representing Roosevelt and Dallas ISD well.
What advice, if any, would you offer to high school students today?
Surround yourself with positive friends. When you are around positive energy and positive situations, good thing tend to happen. Build strong consistent work ethics. The work you do now will affect your future. You are coming upon the crossroads of your life—graduation, so make the best of it.
College/University and degree earned:
Bachelor’s degree in public affairs, Texas Southern University, 1996
If you are a Dallas ISD alum and would like to be considered for an AlumNow spotlight, please complete the questionnaire and submit along with a recent high-resolution headshot. We look forward to catching up with you and sharing your accomplishments.
