Inside Today: Harris County Public Health releases substance use report - Page 4
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Saturday, January 4, 2025 • Vol. 70 • No. 1
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GHP: Regional economy to see continued growth in 2025
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By KEN FOUNTAIN kfountain@fortbendstar.com
This article was originally published in The Leader’s sister paper, the Fort Bend Star. The Houston region’s economy will continue to fare well as national fears of a recession recede and the rate of inflation continues to lower to an expected 2 percent of GDP, the target set by the Federal Reserve, by the end of 2025, the Greater Houston Partnership’s chief economist told a
group of business and government leaders last week. Patrick Jankowski was the featured speaker at the partnership’s annual “Houston Region Economic Outlook” event, held December 12 in a filled-to-capacity ballroom at the Royal Sonesta hotel in the Uptown area. The partnership serves as the region’s main chamber of commerce. In his trademark folksy style, peppered with “dad joke” humor, Jankowski painted a largely upbeat if not necessarily rosy picture of the area’s economic prospects in 2025. It
was a somewhat bittersweet affair for Jankowski, who is retiring soon after 41 years with the partnership. Jankowski told the audience of business and governmental leaders he expects the Houston region to add 71,200 jobs in 2025, finishing the year with 3.5 million payroll jobs, a record for the region. Almost all sectors of the economy will add jobs, he said, with the strongest sectors being health care, construction, professional and technical services, government, and restaurants and bars. Information services, which includes
FROM EQUATIONS TO EMPATHY
print and broadcast media, will continue to be on shaky ground in 2025, largely due to technological changes. Jankowski noted that in the just-over four decades that he has served with the GHP, the Houston region’s economy has undergone a many changes, beginning with the oil bust of the early 1980s that contributed to a banking crisis, to one that is much more diversified and driven less by the oil-and-gas sector. During that time, he said, the See GHP P. 2
Heritage Society honors Freedom’s Eve with historic tour and performance By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com This holiday season, The Heritage Society invites Houstonians to step back in time and experience the rich history of Freedom’s Eve with a special edition of their renowned “From Plantation to Emancipation” tour. This unique 90-minute experience, led by a re-enactor, offers a compelling journey through the stories of African Americans from enslavement to liberation. The special Watch Night tour, also known as Freedom’s Eve Tour, will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 10 a.m. at Sam Houston Park, 1100 Bagby Street.
Catch "The Reading Brain" at The Health Museum until Jan. 5
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Counselor and math teacher Hossain Mazharian recently retired from Heights High School after 43 years.
Pet of the Week: Meet Kazoo, a pure-bred good boy!
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Mr. Mazharian retires after more than four decades of inspiring students By MATEO AGUIRRE Guest Contributor
Vehicle state inspection changes are coming in 2025
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City offers Christmas tree recycling options
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Editor’s Note: Heights High School Senior Mateo Aguirre wrote this editorial piece in honor of popular algebra teacher and counselor Hossain Mazharian, who recently retired after more than 40 years of serving the students at Heights High School. After an extraordinary 43 years of dedication, Hossain Mazharian is bidding farewell to Heights High School. Whether it was in the math classroom demystifying the meaning of a coefficient or in his office lending a compassionate ear, Mr. Mazharian, affectionately known as “Mr. Maz,” has left an indelible mark on the hearts of more than 25,000 students. His presence at Heights High wasn’t just impactful; it was foundational. To students, faculty, and staff alike, he wasn’t just an educator or a counselor—he was an integral part of the community. His influence transcended the academic realm because of one
Celebrating Freedom’s Eve The tour commemorates the historic night of Dec. 31, 1862, when enslaved African Americans gathered in anticipation of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which took effect on Jan. 1, 1863. This moment, known as Freedom’s Eve, marked a turning point in history and a time of jubilation and relief as freedom was declared. “Watch Night services continue today, with churches in Houston and across the United States opening their doors on December 31 for reflection, renewal, and communal prayer as the New Year approaches,” explained Alison Bell, executive director of The Heritage Society.
A Living History The tour takes visitors through three houses on the grounds of Sam Houston Park, each with a unique connection to the African American experience and See FREEDOM’S EVE P. 5
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Hossain Mazharian began his career at Heights High School in 1980 as a math teacher. He later became a counselor to support students with an empathetic ear and guidance.
simple but profound reason: he cared deeply. After 17 years of teaching mathematics, Mr. Mazharian transitioned to counseling, a decision driven by his desire to connect with students on a more personal level. “I realized I didn’t have enough time to listen to the students,” he once explained. It
was this commitment to understanding and supporting students beyond the classroom that set him apart. Whether they were struggling with complex equations or life’s uncertainties, Mr. Mazharian approached every challenge with unwavering patience,
Photo courtesy of The Heritage Society
The Freedom’s Eve Tour is guided by a narrator in period costume.
See MAZHARIAN P. 5
NASA and SHAC of Scouting America join forces for historic STEM Partnership CenterPoint makes preparations for the next winter storm
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By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com In a groundbreaking collaboration, NASA has partnered with Scouting America’s Sam Houston Area Council (SHAC), which also serves the Greater Heights/Garden Oaks/Oak Forest areas, to launch a first-of-its-kind STEM initiative. This partnership aims to equip high school students with critical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills
We empower people to thrive. S TE LL A R . BA N K NM L S # 4 5 1 3 1 2
through immersive, hands-on experiences and leadership training. This historic agreement, formalized through a Space Act Agreement, marks the first collaboration between NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (NASA OSTEM) and Scouting America. It offers Scouts exclusive access to premier STEM programs while aligning with NASA’s mission to inspire and prepare the next generation of space explorers and innovators.
Empowering the Next Generation Marvin Smith, Scout Executive/ CEO of SHAC, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are honored to establish this opportunity with NASA which will provide out-of-this-world experiences for our Scouts and volunteers to access preeminent STEM programs,” he said. “This agreement will inspire young minds through hands-on activities and captivating simulations that bring the
universe to life. As we relaunch and rebrand under a new name, it is the perfect time to establish this partnership with NASA.” The collaboration focuses on shared goals, including: • Promoting the value of STEM to educational and public audiences. • Increasing student and educator participation in STEM fields. • Preparing tomorrow’s workforce See PARTNERSHIP P. 2
Allegiance Bank and CommunityBank of Texas have come together as Stellar Bank. While our name has changed, our commitment to serving our customers and supporting our local communities will stay the same. We look forward to a bright future together.
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