Steve Hammerle addresses the crowd Sunday after Sachse High School’s gymnasium was dedicated in his honor. The former principal, who spent nearly 50 years in public education, called the recognition “the highlight of my career.” John Kanelis/The Sachse News

They made history Sunday at Sachse High School by renaming the gymnasium in honor of a man who left an indelible mark on generations of students. The gym now carries the name of Steve Hammerle.

In inviting the community to the celebration, Garland ISD described the dedication as a “historic occasion,” honoring an educator who “dedicated himself to the students, staff and community of Sachse High School, leaving a lasting impact through his leadership, commitment and service.”

The dedication ceremony drew a large crowd of former students, fellow educators, family members and friends. The Sachse High School Mighty Mustang Band, color guard, drill team and cheerleaders performed before the ceremony.

Hammerle called the recognition “the highlight of my career” and thanked the students he met throughout his years in education “for everything you taught me.”

Hammerle spent nearly 50 years as a public educator, including more than 30 years with Garland ISD, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, middle school principal and high school principal. During his career, he earned Principal of the Year honors at both the high school and middle school levels, TASSP Region 10 Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year honors and a PTA Lifetime Membership Award. A graduate of Texas A&M University, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1977 before completing graduate studies in counseling and student services and school administration.

Former Sachse High principal Shae Creel, who succeeded Hammerle in 2016, praised his predecessor’s vision and leadership.

“Stepping into a post that Steve founded was truly special,” Creel said.

Construction on Sachse High began in 2000, and the campus opened in 2002 with an inaugural class of 815 freshmen and sophomores. Additional grade levels were added in subsequent years, with the school’s first graduating class earning diplomas in 2005.

Creel said Hammerle, who oversaw the project from “the ground up,” was dedicated to ensuring “everything was done right” and built a culture that continues to shape the campus today.

Brandy Schneider, a former Sachse High assistant principal, recalled Hammerle’s high standards during construction of the campus.

“Everything must look in 20 years like it does today,” he insisted.

Steve Evans, who met Hammerle while the two attended Garland High School, remembered him as someone who “never had a negative thing to say about anyone” and said he was “passionate about friendships and was always willing to help others.”

The announcement of the dedication on the Sachse High School Facebook page prompted dozens of congratulatory comments from former students and colleagues. Richie Harris wrote, “He was the only reason I graduated from Garland High School in ‘90. He was tough but fair.” Another former student, Charles Stiles, a member of Sachse High’s first graduating class, wrote that Hammerle encouraged students “to leave our mark on the campus,” adding, “You knew he cared about every student that walked in those doors.”

The ceremony also included heartfelt remarks from Hammerle’s son, Sean, who spoke about his father’s decision to adopt him after marrying his late wife, Marlene, former principal of Rowlett High School.

“I knew I was a Hammerle all along,” Sean said. He closed by thanking his father “for showing me what a father should be.” He also recalled family vacations that often turned into impromptu reunions because his father seemed to know someone everywhere they went. “Our family vacations became more like family reunions,” he said to laughter from the audience.

Stay informed, and support your local community newspaper, subscribe to The Sachse News