Howdy! My name is Rick Higginbotham, along with my best buddies, Dodger and Petey, and I am in my ninth year as an instructor here at White Oak High School.  I teach Theatre and Speech. I taught here previously from 1999-2004 and really enjoyed my “formative” White Oak years.  And, even though I’ve taught in other school districts since then, there’s a reason I’m back. What can I say? I’m a Roughneck! In addition to teaching, I’m also a professional actor. A good portion of my life has been spent in the performing arts. This past summer, I spent 10 weeks at the Texas Shakespeare Festival in Kilgore. That’s where you’ll find me during many of my summers….speaking some of the most beautiful poetry and prose every written. This past summer, I performed roles in KING LEAR, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, and SOMETHING ROTTEN. What a blessing to be involved in such an exciting event. I also have background in radio broadcasting spinning those “stacks of wax!” My last radio work was in afternoon drive at Sunny 106.5 (now knows as JACK-FM), in Tyler.

I’m a man who’s biggest dream has come true. I got to marry the love of my life. Never thought that would happen in a million years. But God smiled on me!  I’m also on the receiving end of two of the sweetest words ever spoken…Daddy and Papa. I have the most exquisite, lovely daughter……and she and my wonderful son-in-law have given us an amazing granddaughter and grandson. There are beloved pets to talk about, too. Our dog (an angel in disguise) is named Lincoln. Five cats also keep us pretty busy….Gabby, Gable, Sachmo, Sasha and Allie. We also embrace precious and prized memories of our very special Buddy…our sweet, wonderful Jake…our 18 year-old, beautiful cat, Sateen…and my BEST pals ever….Petey and Dodger, all of whom were blessings to our lives and are missed so dearly. Right now, they’re having the time of their lives up on Rainbow Bridge and we can’t wait to see them again!

I’m a HUGE outdoors lover, too.  As a matter-of-fact, my wife and I hiked our very first 14’er summer a few summers ago…..14,065 foot Mount Bierstadt in the Colorado Rockies (yes, she DID beat me to the top!). Sports are something I enjoy, as well, including high school and college football.  Favorite place to hang out?  That’s an easy one…..with my family!

Alright, alright….enough about me.  Hey, I’m lookin’ forward to a FUN 2023-2024 year of Roughneck Theatre! Just consider me another blessed guy who gets to  “Defend the Derrick” for another year. Go Roughnecks!