Hibbard G. Polk
Historical Summary
Hibbard G. Polk, honored in the El Paso County Historical Society’s 2009 Hall of Honor, was a prominent educator and civic leader whose career centered on public education in El Paso, Texas. A valedictorian from Abilene, he earned a bachelor’s degree in speech from Hardin-Simmons University and a master’s degree in school administration from Texas Western College.
Polk served the El Paso Independent School District for 41 years in roles that included teacher, counselor, principal, administrator, Northeast Area Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent, holding the deputy superintendency during his final three years of service. He was recognized as El Paso’s Father of the Year in 1960 and as EPISD Administrator of the Year for 1974–75. His influence was especially noted at Bowie High School, where he advanced speech and drama programs to district and state recognition, and in the later naming of Polk Elementary School in his honor.
Beyond education, Polk was deeply involved in religious and community life. He taught Sunday School for 25 years and served his church as Elder, Deacon, and General Board Chairman. He also led major civic and interfaith organizations, including the El Paso chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews and the El Paso Council of Churches.
Tributes from colleagues, students, and friends portray Polk as a mentor, principled administrator, and compassionate Christian whose leadership, integrity, and service shaped generations of students, teachers, and families. His legacy, shared with his wife Sue Jackson Polk through extensive volunteer work, was remembered as one of devotion to education, faith, community service, and the betterment of El Paso.
Document Transcription
Hall of Honor 2009
Hibbard G. Polk
By E. Barnard Polk
Hibbard G. Polk was the high school valedictorian from Abilene, Texas. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Speech from Hardin-Simmons University and a Master's Degree in School Administration from Texas Western College. He served the El Paso Independent School District as teacher, counselor, principal, administrator, Northeast Area Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent. He was a valued employee of the EPISD for 41 years and was the Deputy Superintendent for the last three of those 41 years. During his lifetime Polk was named El Paso's Father of the Year for 1960 and the EPISD Administrator of the Year for 1974-75.
Polk taught Sunday School in his church for 25 years and also served as Elder, Deacon and General Board Chairman. He was the Chairman of the National Conference of Christians and Jews El Paso Chapter and President of the El Paso Council of Churches.
Colleagues, teachers, students and friends remembered him as follows:
• He showed the kindness and consideration that was an intrinsic part of the man.
• He became my mentor, speech declamation coach, educational guidance counselor and my friend. Under his direction, the school became recognized in the speech and drama competitions of the University Scholastic League of Texas at the district and state levels. He left an indelible mark in the history of Bowie High School. He was a man of principle and high moral character and he always guided us in the right direction.
• A man who always tempered his actions with wisdom, a man who walked in the light of God, and a wonderful husband and father.
• Hibbard Polk is the “Rock” we ALL leaned on in the El Paso Public School System.
• Mr. Polk was a wonderful Christian man who was an excellent example to others. Active in his church and community, he unselfishly gave of his time and talent to serve his church and everyone around him at all times.
• He left a lasting impression on my life; I remember him for his gentleness, kindness and integrity. He was truly a man of honor.
• The characteristics of insightful leadership, uncompromising integrity, perseverance and a servant heart distinguished Hibbard Polk in his generation as they have great men of all times.
• As a teacher at Polk Elementary School, I am proud to be teaching at a school that is named for such an outstanding educator.
• He set an example of dedication to duty that inspired all those around him. As the master teacher and creative administrator, he was a guiding light and an example to all with whom he came in contact.
• A new elementary school on the west side of the district was named for Hibbard Polk, further cementing the fact that he was a revered and respected educational icon. If I could claim a personal mentor during my years in the El Paso School District, it would naturally be Hibbard Polk.
• Throughout my teaching years, I saw Hibbard Polk's educational talents grow in our community. He helped thousands of students, teachers and parents in being good citizens and proud Americans. As an educator, I can sincerely say that Mr. Hibbard Polk was one of the finest role models for our El Paso community.
• Yes, one man of character can make a difference in generations of lives. Hibbard Polk was just such a man. His hiring decisions affected countless students in a positive way.
• I have often heard of Hibbard Polk's involvement in and contributions to our community. It was his kindness, friendliness and helpfulness that made Mr. Polk remarkable and exceptional. In the higher levels of public school administration these exemplary work ethics are at times difficult to exhibit. As for Mr. Polk, these ethics were always at hand.
• His education for becoming a school educator is impeccable. He served with honor and distinction in every position he held. Teachers loved him—never did I hear an unkind word about him. Mr. Polk was such a great leader in his church. Anything that needed to be done Mr. Polk was available. Churches do not find leaders like him anymore. The best way that we can describe Hibbard Polk is that he was a man with great integrity and a joyous spirit and he dedicated his life to helping others. I was delighted to learn that a new school was to be named in his honor—certainly a most appropriate tribute to him.
• What a fellow! Hibbard Polk was a true companion and friend. His good features were too numerous and fantastic to list. He deserves recognition for his outstanding work on behalf of the children of the district. He was not only an educator, but he involved himself in community service.
• He believed education was the key to a better life.
• His actions inspired me always to be proud of my city and seek to advocate its tremendous historical richness and beauty. Hibbard G. Polk represents the very best of El Paso and El Pasoans. He is remembered and revered by so many wonderful friends and family members. His legacy is one of service and love.
These testimonies describe a man who served his community and the schools and churches of El Paso County. He was a member of a family who was proud of him and loved him dearly. All of us have been blessed by the lives of Sue Jackson Polk and Hibbard Glenn Polk. The Polks gave so that others could receive. Hibbard and Sue Polk gave thousands and thousands of volunteer hours of their time to support this El Paso Community. Hibbard resides in the Hall of Honor and his wife, Sue, beams with pride at his side. Thank you El Paso County Historical Society for the Hall of Honor and thank you Hibbard and Sue Polk for bringing your Honor to this Hall.
