The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Bridge City High School, in conjunction with the BCHS Alumni Association, continues its tradition of honoring former students who have stayed right here and served the Southeast Texas community through the decades.

This year’s recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award are Darrell Segura of the BCHS Class of 1967 and Willie Hayes of the Class of 1964.

Segura was a member of the FCA, Bio-Med Club, and a member of the 1966 State Championship Football Team. Segura went on to obtain his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Lamar University. For 35 years, he worked for TEXACO / MOTIVA in the Human Resources department. Mr. Segura has worked for several charitable organizations in our community that have included area Pro-Life groups, Reading Improvement Initiatives with local elementary schools, and numerous hours helping the Hughen Center for disabled children.

Segura continues to serve his community as a member of the Bridge City Historical Society. Darrell has been married to another BC graduate, Sharon Piggott Segura for 40 years and both of their children, Misty and Mark, are also alumni. Continuing in the Cardinal Tradition, his grandson Keenan currently attends Bridge City Elementary.

Hayes served as class president while at BCHS, was an All-District Baseball player and an All-State Basketball player.

Willie was named Mr. BCHS for the Class of ’64.

He went on to attend both Sam Houston State and Lamar University on a baseball scholarship and obtained both a Bachelors and Masters Degree from Lamar.

Hayes retired in 2010 after 42 years of service in public education as a teacher, principal and Assistant Superintendent in a neighboring Orange County school district.

He has served his community through a variety of organizations that have included the Bridge City Little League, Advisor to Lamar University, State Advisor to the Texas School Improvement Initiative, and over a decade as a member of the Orange County Child Welfare Board.

Willie has been married for 42 years to Lawanda (also a retiree from public schools) and they have one son, Dr. Garrett Hayes of Austin.

Bridge City High School Distinguished Alumni, Willie Hayes, lights the letters at the Bridge City pep rally.