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Sam Rayburn Middle School was named in honor of Sam T. Rayburn (1882-1961). Rayburn wa a lawyer from Bonham, Texas, who served for forty-five years as a Representative (D) to the US Congress. He presided over the House of Representatives for seventeen years, more than twice as long as any House Speaker in American history. In his position as Speaker, he exercised great influence and was responsible for the formulation and support of many progressive social and economic laws and policies.

"Mr. Sam ", as he was called, was known and loved by many. He was closely associated with Lyndon B. Johnson, whose name he placed in nomination against that of John F. Kennedy in 1960. Johnson lost the race for the Presidency, but gained the second spot on the winning ticket and became the US Vice President.

Sam Rayburn died of cancer at age seventy-nine. He is remembered as a master of parliamentary tactics.

--Excerpt from Sam Rayburn Middle School Student Handbook