Native Midlander reminiscences on the impact of local school, community and friendsOctober 03, 2024

Reagan Hignojos, born and raised in Midland, believes in giving back to the community that shaped him into the man he is today.  He advocates for the best interest of community members, especially the most vulnerable populations. In the past 15 years, he served on at least 10 community boards/advisory panels, most of them with missions of improving public schools and quality of life.  

“I’ve lived through the good and the hard times in Midland,” Hignojos said.  “Through it all, I’ve gained a deep love and appreciation for the people in this community – many of whom stepped in during my formative years when I probably needed it the most. My past and present affiliation with MISD through serving as an advisory board member to IDEA Public Schools, a member of the District Education Improvement Committee and the Long-Range Facility Planning and Bond committees stems from the fact that I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for MISD.    

“I was born to very young teen parents who did the best they could considering neither had the opportunity to graduate from high school. By the time my parents were 23 they had four children.  It was challenging for them to make ends meet; however, they never asked for government assistance. Many times, MISD was the only place where I would receive a meal, central heating and air, and even discipline.  Teachers, principals, coaches, custodians, bus drivers and lunch ladies encouraged me and gave me a chance to succeed. I wholeheartedly understand how much some kids in our community depend on MISD.  I was that kid once upon a time.”

Hignojos recalled one teacher during his third-grade year at the former Travis Elementary School: “I was a really good student, and whenever we made an ‘A+’ Mrs. Leascher gave us extra candy. I worked hard to earn candy that year, and was not aware until I was much older of how Mrs. Leascher helped build my self-confidence. 

“There’s one day that year that I will never forget. I was abruptly pulled out of school and faced with homelife changes. With no time to process, I was sent back to class. I was emotional and clearly struggling.  Mrs. Leascher just scooped me up in her arms and hugged me.  That made me feel safe. I needed that hug and her comfort.  Unfortunately, two years later, Mrs. Leascher passed away from cancer. I’m 43 now, the same age she was when she passed away, and it has been heavy on my heart.  I wonder if she would be proud of me as I make serious life and career changes.”

Hardships at home continued throughout middle and high school. Life lessons taught Hignojos at a young age that he was going to have to work extremely hard to break free of generational cycles and build a better future for himself and future family. 

 “Summertime was different for me than most other kids,” Hignojos recalled.  “I was expected to help provide for my family by working in fireworks stands across West Texas. Most of the time I worked alone because my parents had to manage other stands to maximize our income. 

“I’ll never forget the summer when I was 12.  My parents dropped me off to work at the fireworks stand in Big Lake with nothing but the clothes on my back. No money. I had nothing, and it wasn’t just for the day—it was for two weeks!  Fortunately, there was a Dairy Queen across the street.  So after I sold a few fireworks, I could go over to the Dairy Queen to use the restroom and get something to eat.  I slept in the fireworks stand at night. I guess I thought that was normal for a kid to do.”

Hignojos graduated from Midland High School in 1999 and enrolled at the University of Houston.  During this time, he lived with his uncle and worked part-time at Old Navy.  

“That arrangement worked out well for a couple of years, but then my uncle, who was working for Enron, lost his job when the company declared bankruptcy in 2001,” Hignojos explained.  “I tried to stay in Houston while working part-time at Old Navy and going to school, but it was too much.  I was put on academic probation and came back home to Midland.”

Hignojos transferred employment to Old Navy in Midland.  In 2005, he enrolled in Midland College, and in 2006 he started a building contractor business.  He continued to take classes at Midland College part-time, mostly online, until 2022, when he received an associate degree.

“It took me over 20 years to earn an associate degree,” he explained.  “It’s never too late, even if it takes a few decades!  School is hard to fit into everyday life when running a business and raising a family.  The funny thing is that if I were given an opportunity to live my life all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing except that after high school graduation, I would stay in Midland and attend Midland College.”

Two Midland College professors that Hignojos fondly remembers are Dr. Michael Dixon, who taught Hignojos math and is now Provost, and Dale Westfall, accounting professor.  Hignojos said that recently he has spent a lot of time thinking about Dixon and Westfall and all the other people who have made a significant impact in his life.  

In fact, this past summer, he launched a podcast focusing on how people in Midland have positively shaped his life. This list of individuals includes his two children—Jacob, age 20, and Rylee age 17.  Both of his children attend Midland ISD schools.  Jacob is a student in MISD’s Encore Academy program, targeted for young adults with special needs, and Rylee is a junior at Legacy High School. 

Hignojos is continuing his higher education pursuits and working toward a degree in Special Education at the University of Texas Permian Basin.  He said he became interested in special education through his involvement in various community and state organizations that advocate and offer programs for special needs children and adults.  He serves on the resource board for Special Olympics Texas and has been instrumental in organizing the annual Fall Classics State Championship Games recently held in Midland/Odessa, October 3-5.  During the Fall Classic competition, athletes compete in swimming, golf, equestrian, bocce and softball.

“Once I complete my bachelor’s degree in May 2026, I’m not sure what direction I will take,” he stated.  “I may teach, or I think I would also like to start a business that hires adults with special needs.”

In his spare time, Hignojos enjoys being with friends.  He said that his Midland friendships are an important aspect of his life, and instead of traveling, he chooses to spend his vacation time in Midland enjoying the company of friends and family.  He also dabbles in the visual arts creating screen printing, pencil drawings and works in watercolor and charcoal.