Wilkerson Intermediate opened as the first middle school in The Woodlands, Texas, in 1974 - the same year the township was officially founded. The campus was extensively remodeled in 1999 and again in 2010.
Our school is named for W.D. "Topsy" Wilkerson, who served as superintendent for Conroe ISD from 1949-1967. In making the dedication of the school Neal Knox noted, “Mr. Wilkerson came to us when a man of his character was needed to run our school district. He stood the test.”
W. D. was known as “Topsy.” Beginning in 1925 when he was 24 years old, he served as coach, mathematics teacher and superintendent of schools in Reagan, Texas, for five years. Then for eight years he worked as coach and superintendent of schools in Calvert, Texas.
Wilkerson came to Conroe, from Bryan where he served as superintendent for 12 years. Prior to all of this he had coached in Denton and Calvert. He brought to school administration the same zeal and the same brand of “old-fashioned desire” he required of his football charges. He was quoted as saying, “If you ever get to the point where defeat doesn’t hurt and victory doesn’t thrill, then there’s something wrong.”
The most significant change observed by Wilkerson during his career was the attitude of the parents. “The public came to appreciate and realize the need for better buildings, better equipment, better salaries.”
Wilkerson Intermediate is honored to be named after such a dedicated educator. He said, “I can handle those kids.” He did.
