HUTTO – After seeking community recommendations for the naming of Hutto ISD’s third middle school, on Aug. 25 the school board voted unanimously to approve the name Gus Almquist Middle School.
Almquist was a native of Hutto, with his ancestors settling in Hutto from Sweden. Almquist and his three siblings, four children, and so far, four grandchildren, graduated from Hutto High School. He served on the Hutto School Board for 17 years, including leading as board president. One of the high marks of his tenure on the board, was ensuring Hutto ISD remained independent during talks of a Pflugerville/Hutto consolidation.
Paula Martin, Almquist’s daughter, shared stories with the trustees, including a time when Hutto had no money for band uniforms, and Almquist enlisted his wife to make band uniforms for seventh through 12th grade band members. Almquist’s wife also created Hutto’s first Hippo mascot costume.
After retiring from the Board and from farming, Almquist worked at Hutto ISD in groundskeeping and maintenance and became known to all as “Mr. Gus.” He had a loving heart, was giving, caring and became a good friend to the teachers. He could be seen carrying boxes and hanging bulletin boards for teachers and giving hugs to students who grew to call him Mr. Gus, or “Pawpaw Gus” as his own grandchildren also called him.
Trustee Shannon Jacobs said, “He went above and beyond for our community. When we see those shining lights of people who stepped up even though they didn’t have to, I think it’s important in picking the name.”
Board Vice President Amy English read a quote that Paula Martin shared, originally stated by Coretta Scott King, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
Trustee Terrence Owens said, “Your dad and the emails we received remind me of the goodness in our community and Hutto especially. His name will go along with the Kerleys and the Howard Normans, and the Nadine Johnsons . . . and I hope that whoever becomes the principal of the new middle school will embody your dad’s name and his work and it will become part of the teaching at the school.”
Billie Logiudice, Board President, said, “May Gus Almquist Middle School be a reminder that we can all be the caring, giving people in today’s world.”
