• 2022 Distinguished Alumni Recipients

    John and Karen Anderson   

    John graduated from ROHS in 1983. While he was in high school, he played football, baseball and ran track. He was part of the 1982 District champion Football Team where he played as a Quarterback. His other high school activities included the yearbook staff and the National Honor Society.

    John went on to play college baseball for two years at Navarro and one year at UTA.

    Karen graduated as Valedictorian of her class in 1984. While in high school, she participated in cheerleading, basketball, track, National Honor Society and served as the high school newspaper editor.

    He earned an Associate’s Degree  from Navarro College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Dallas Baptist University and earned his Master’s Degree in Technical Engineering Management from Texas A&M University.

    She graduated from Stephen F. Austin University and holds dual teaching certifications in English and Business Administration.

    John served as an Electrician’s Mate for 12 years in the United States Navy, including deployment for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

    He is a long-time employee of Applied Materials, Inc.

    Karen previously worked for American Express and in 2009 she became the Executive Director of the ROISD Education Foundation. She is also the coordinator for district volunteers and helps lead the Comm

    unity Partner Academy.

    He is currently serving his 21st year on the Red Oak ISD School Board, where he is the current president. He has served as Vice President and Assistant Secretary several times in the past. As far as we can determine, John is the longest serving school board member in the history of the District.

    The couple has two daughters who graduated from ROISD Taylor in 2013 and Abby in 2020.

    They are 20-year members of the Eastridge Baptist church where John is a Deacon and are both active in the youth department and various committees.  

    John and Karen have both served in numerous roles in booster clubs, PTA, and PTSA  through the years.  Karen served as President of both volleyball and cheer booster clubs and John was a part of the first Watchdog organization at Eastridge Elementary.

    They have devoted their adult lives to helping make our district and community a better place. They share a passion for working with and supporting children.