Evening of Cuisine celebrates 25 years
The South Belt‑Ellington Chamber of Commerce will mark a major milestone this fall with its 25th annual Evening of Cuisine, scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the University of Houston‑Clear Lake Bayou Building, 2700 Bay Area Blvd.
For a quarter century, the event has served as a showcase of local flavor, bringing together restaurants, caterers, bakeries, and beverage providers for an evening of unlimited tastings and community fellowship. Chamber leaders note that the gathering has become one of the area’s signature traditions, highlighting both the diversity of Houston’s culinary scene and the strength of its business community.
This year’s lineup is especially robust, featuring a wide range of cuisines. Guests can expect to sample dishes from Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Mornings Kolaches, Ryan’s Smokehouse, Shake Shack, Mixing House, Dave & Buster’s, Savannah Café & Bakery, Chicken Salad Chick, Noon Mirch, Yard House, Luna’s Mexican Restaurant, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Main Event, McAlister’s Deli of Webster, Texas Tail Distillery, Remton Vietnamese Cuisine, Las Haciendas, Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack, Bubba’s 33, Floyd’s Cajun Seafood, and Gita Pita, with additional participants anticipated.
Together, these vendors will present a menu that spans American comfort food, Texas barbecue, Cajun seafood, Mexican, Indian, Vietnamese and Mediterranean cuisine, complemented by baked goods, frozen treats and specialty beverages.
The event is supported by sponsors including Blackline Engineering, Frost Bank, Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital, San Jacinto College, Shell Federal Credit Union, AMOCO Federal Credit Union, Bonanza Air & Heat and Whitley Law Firm. Their contributions help ensure the Evening of Cuisine remains a vibrant and accessible tradition for the South Belt community.
Tickets are available online at southbeltchamber.com/evening-of-cuisine-2026. Prices are $40 for adults, $10 for children ages 4–12, and free for children under 4. Tickets purchased at the door will be $45.
PISD achieves record 92 percent graduation rate
Pasadena ISD is celebrating a major milestone this summer, reporting a record 92 percent graduation rate for the Class of 2025 – the highest in district history and a continuation of a long-term upward trend in student completion.
The new figure surpasses the district’s previous high of 91.3 percent, set by the Class of 2022, and reflects steady improvement following statewide disruptions earlier in the decade.
“This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication of our students, the tireless work of our staff and the support of our families,” Superintendent Dr. Toni Lopez said in the district’s announcement. “Reaching a record 92 percent graduation rate is a milestone worth celebrating, and we are proud of every graduate.”
Contributing factors
The following factors helped contribute toward Pasadena ISD’s sustained graduation gains:
– Multiyear academic support systems: Pasadena ISD has expanded intervention programs, tutoring access and campus‑level academic monitoring over the past several years. These efforts help keep students on track for credit completion and STAAR/EOC readiness.
– College, career and technical pathways: Pasadena ISD has broadened access to CTE programs, dual‑credit courses and workforce‑aligned certifications. State data consistently shows that students enrolled in coherent CTE sequences graduate at higher rates.
– Attendance and engagement initiatives: Districts that improve graduation rates often invest in attendance recovery, family engagement and early warning systems that identify students at risk of falling behind.
How rates are measured
Texas uses a four‑year longitudinal graduation rate, meaning the percentage of students who enter ninth grade and graduate four years later. The Texas Education Agency tracks each cohort from freshman year through expected graduation, accounting for students who transfer in or out of the district.
The rate includes students who earn:
– A standard high school diploma
– A distinguished level of achievement diploma
– An endorsement‑aligned diploma under Texas’ Foundation High School Program
The calculation does not include GED recipients or students who continue high school beyond four years, though TEA also publishes five‑ and six‑year extended graduation rates.
Context within the region
Texas’ statewide graduation rate typically falls between 89 percent and 90 percent, placing Pasadena ISD’s Class of 2025 above the state average and among the stronger-performing large suburban districts in the Houston region.
Nearby Clear Creek ISD has consistently achieved a 98- to 99-percent graduation rate in recent years, making it one of the strongest performing districts in the Houston region.
Looking ahead
With enrollment for the 2026–27 school year now open, Pasadena ISD says it will continue investing in programs that support student achievement, workforce readiness and college pathways.
District leaders framed the 92 percent milestone as both a celebration of the Class of 2025 and a benchmark for future cohorts.
“While we celebrate this achievement, we know there is still work to be done,” said Lopez.
“Our goal is to ensure every student has the support they need to one day walk across that stage and receive a diploma.”
Campus‑level data coming soon
While Pasadena ISD has announced its record 92 percent graduation rate districtwide, campus‑specific figures for Dobie, Pasadena, Sam Rayburn, South Houston, Memorial and Lewis Career and Technical High Schools have not yet been released.
The Texas Education Agency typically publishes those breakdowns in its annual accountability reports and completion reports, which are scheduled for release later in the year.
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