In the news:
Barmores receive annual Pasadena ISD education foundation community award

For the last five years, the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation/Dell Shining Stars Gala has served as a night when the stars come out. From the top 50 students in academics districtwide to the annual table sponsors, the event has become a night to remember for all—and this year was no exception.

The gala honors the top 10 seniors from Sam Rayburn, South Houston, Dobie, Pasadena and Pasadena Memorial high schools along with Pasadena ISD educators they selected as those who inspired them the most. Each educator and student received a plaque for their recognition, and each student received a Dell laptop and case. Dell has served as a partner with the district for more than 10 years, and representative Mark Horan said it is a privilege to be able to help the students.

“We’re honored to serve as a sponsor for this event,” Horan said. “We appreciate the partnership we have with Pasadena ISD.”

Among some of the stars that were recognized at the annual event were 1969 and 1973 Pasadena High School graduates Mike and Bill Barmore. The brothers are president and vice president of Barmore Insurance Agency, Inc. in Pasadena and were given this year’s Shining Stars Gala Community Shining Star Award for their contributions to the school district over the years. The award was created three years ago with the first two recipients being Ben and Janice Meador of Meador Staffing Services and Mel Cowart.

“We’re honored to have received this award,” said Mike Barmore. “Our roots run deep in Pasadena, and we have a deep appreciation from what we learned here—not only in education but in life.”

The duo have made numerous financial contributions to the Education Foundation including two $25,000 donations during the last two years, with $5,000 of each donation designated for the annual McDonald’s Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament. Barmore is also a table sponsor every year at the gala and has donated $20,000 through its sponsorship at the event.

“Mike and Billy Barmore are the type of business leaders that make a community great,” said Pasadena ISD Education Foundation’s past-president Randy Perry. “They know how important it is to give back to a community where they have attained success. They are models for what the Community Shining Star Award is all about.”

Mike Barmore graduated from Texas Christian University and attended Williams Elementary and Jackson Intermediate before his graduation from Pasadena High. He began his business career as a Certified Public Accountant and obtained his Certified Insurance Counselor designation after entering the industry. Mike serves in leadership roles in the community and the insurance industry including national, regional and state agent’s council positions with various insurance companies.

Bill Barmore joined the firm following his graduation from the University of Texas. He also attended Williams Elementary and Queens Intermediate before his graduation from Pasadena. He obtained his Certified Insurance Counselor designation in 1980 and serves in leadership roles in various church, school and civic organizations.

Barmore was founded in 1952 by William C. Barmore, Sr. as a life insurance agency and later expanded to a property and casualty insurance agency serving the greater Houston area. The company has continuously maintained offices in the Pasadena ISD area and has grown to become one of the leading independent insurance agencies in the Houston area.

“The Barmores, starting with their father, have served as an asset to the community for over 50 years through service organizations and direct contributions to community organizations,” Perry said. “We are happy they have made their career here, and we are proud to honor them for their efforts.”