Carey D. Booker, a life-long Houstonian; is the seventh child born to the late Callie Polk Booker and Earl Booker. Carey grew up in the Fifth Ward Community; his formal education began at Dogan Elementary but ended at J.C. McDade Elementary when the family moved to the Kashmere Gardens area. Every day after school Carey and his friends would change clothes and head to the sandlot football fields or the Charles’ backyard basketball court. Carey showed good athletic potential at an early age; particularly in basketball where he spent countless hours practicing. When he entered Kashmere Jr Sr High, he had his sights on trying out for the football and basketball teams. He was fortunate to make both teams; in fact he was a three sport athlete participating in track/field also. He played quarterback and safety under the capable leadership of Coach Mel Jones. He played guard on the court (basketball) and was coached by Major Abrams, Larson Smart and Webster Williams; he credits all with his character and athletic development. Carey’s track/field coaches were Louis Roach and Coy Limbrick. Carey ran the second leg on the 440 relay team. During the District City Track/Field meet after the 440 team had placed second, Coach Roach asked for two volunteers to participate in the high jump competition. Carey and Earnest Scales thought it would be fun, so we volunteered. As faith would have it I won the event with a jump of 5’9″. On the hardwood was really where Carey excelled; as he led his 9th grade team in scoring and was selected to HISD All- City team. As a senior at Kashmere High School under legendary Coach Weldon Drew Carey led his team in scoring and was an HISD all district selection. He earned a four year scholarship offer from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. While at Morgan he led the freshman team in scoring and was voted team captain. He transferred to Texas Southern University where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education/History; he also completed his Masters studies in Ed.Administration/Supervision from TSU. He began a teaching career in HISD, after several years he was given an administrative position, where he served as Assistant Principal and Principal. After several years as a successful educator he began a new career in Outside Sales/Marketing. In 2010 his health forced him into early retirement. Carey is married to Deborah Holloway Booker; they are the proud parents of Corey (recently deceased) and Carey Booker, two wonderful grand kids, Jace and Charlie (girl). Most of Carey’s leisure is spent reading short novels, watching sporting events and most importantly spending quality time with the family. The family worships at Windsor Village United Methodist Church, under the leadership of Senior Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caudwell, where he is active in the Greeters ministry. Carey is honored to receive this recognition, and would like to thank the KFAA (Kashmere Former Athletes Association) and its members for such an honor! Carey’s message to future Kashmere student/athletes is simple:” Keep The Father first, and success will surely be yours!”