Paul Cross
Advisory leadership, Theatre Arts
Beloved theater teacher Paul Eugene Cross passed away at his home in Houston on Monday, October 10, 2011.
Mr. Cross grew up in Beaumont, Texas. He graduated from Lamar University with a degree in Social Studies, Theatre, and Physical Education, and did some graduate work at the University of Texas. His teaching experience included Beaumont, Westbrook HS, Cleveland HS, a one year period of teaching in Berlin, Germany, and Challenge. In addition to teaching, Mr. Cross worked at the following jobs: truck driver, "Mr. Mom" for 3 years, at a Foleys, and at his family bookstore. While working at his family's bookstore he saw the opportunity to work at Challenge and jumped at the chance. Mr. Cross was inspired each day by his eighth grade English teacher, Mr. Strickland, who saw a spark in him and never let him quit. Mr. Cross always urged EVERYONE to support Fine Arts at Challenge.
On October 12, hundreds of current and former students, parents and colleagues crowded into the HCC auditorium to remember Mr. Cross together. The tributes ranged from stories to poetry to song, as Mr. Cross was remembered for his love of teaching, his love of the theater, and most of all, his love for his students. The Challenge family as a whole is grateful to have had the experience of knowing this kind, loving, wise man.
To memorialize Mr. Cross, the Black Box Theater is being renamed the Paul Cross Theatre, and a scholarship has been set up in his name.