“It’s extremely bittersweet,” Clement’s very own coach and teacher Mike Madden said as he announces his decision to accept a new job opportunity with the Fort Bend district.

Unfortunately, this means Madden will be leaving the school this spring with a heavy heart, but is excitedly looking to make an even bigger difference not only in our school, but in all schools throughout the district with this new opportunity.

From historical presentations to weekly, late-night sports games to teaching subjects about history, there is no doubt Madden has always been present and involved in the schools growth to become the success it is today. Many students and faculty say that Madden has contributed a lot to strengthen the school’s knowledge of historical events and the school’s athletic abilities, and he will be greatly missed.

Throughout the 24 years Madden has worked here, he has taken part in many activities and projects, including attending Clements himself for three years in high school. Madden teaches U.S History, Global Studies Seminar Genocides throughout History, and a History through Film class, as well as managing “The Halls of History;” The Hall of Remembrance, 9-11 Tribute, Hall of Presidents, Race to Space, Native American Indian, and WWI-Welcome to the Trenches.

“I’ve been a part of various things for the school…I do a series of multi-media presentations to expand on the book such as a 9-11 multi-media presentation, a prohibition/gangster presentation, dropping the atomic bomb presentation, the Holocaust, the Race to Space, and the Civil Rights presentation,” Madden said.

Madden has also taught a few of Clements current teachers working at school today including Nicole Kitagawa and Gregory Eppes. He also coached Coach Bobby Darnell on the Clements JV basketball team.

“For me, being a history teacher, I spend time with [the students] in their present as I teach about the past, and then I get to see how their future turns out. It’s the neatest thing,” Madden said.

Madden has taken this new job opportunity as Coordinator of Student Leadership Position in hopes of making a bigger impact district-wide and with more students across Fort Bend. He is also hoping to challenge himself and to continue his growth as a lifelong learner and educator.

“But I’m excited about a Leadership Series that’s district-wide where I can still bring in speakers like Holocaust survivors to talk about certain core competencies that we want in a Fort Bend ISD graduate like moral courage, integrity, character, and innovation,” Madden said.

He aims to have an influence on 77 campuses in the district and to continue to make an impact amongst young people.

“The teachers I’ve worked alongside for the last 26 years whom I have had the opportunity to learn from and to model. The students and athletes that inspire me every single day to be the best teacher and best coach I can be because that’s what they deserve and they’ll always deserve that,” Madden said as he recalls what he’s enjoyed most while working at Clements.

Madden finds it difficult leaving all the students, teachers, friends, the culture, the family, and the thousands of memories he’s made throughout the years, but he hopes to visit often as students lead programs on Clement’s campus.

“It’s a part of my life. Clements High School is forever branded on my heart, soul, and mind across the board. This place has helped me become a better person,” Madden said.

Madden in 1994,                        Madden in 2013,               Madden in 2016,

second year teaching                 twenty-first year                twenty-fourth year

at Clements                                 teaching at Clements         teaching at Clements