High School Art Students Illustrate New Children’s Book for Sugar Land Regional Airport

Originally published in Sugar Scoop, the official blog of the City of Sugar Land

A creative new collaboration between the Sugar Land Regional Airport and Kempner High School art students has taken off — literally. The result? A beautifully illustrated children’s book, Sally, Anne, & Beth – Built an Airport. This is a story that celebrates community, storytelling and the history of our regional airport.

Ken Durbin, assistant director of aviation, wrote this story inspired by three women, Sally Sims, Anne Gaines and Elizabeth (Beth) Rosenbaum, whose passion and leadership helped shape the Sugar Land Regional Airport as we know it today. While the characters are fictionalized, their impact is very real.

“I’m so honored and flattered to be included in the history of this great airport,” said Sally Sims, certified pilot, flight instructor and citizen extraordinaire. “My involvement has been one of the high points of my life.”

What makes the book even more special is how it came together. The Sugar Land Regional Airport team wanted a more meaningful way to highlight the airport’s role in the community. Something that would resonate with both children and adults. The idea to collaborate with local students was sparked at a city council meeting where student artists were being recognized. That moment turned into an art contest, and ultimately, into a book.

The illustrations were created by students from Kempner High School, guided by their art teacher, Ray Montes.

“Being part of Sally, Anne, & Beth – Built an Airport was a powerful and inspiring experience for my students,” said Montes. “This gave them the opportunity to connect their creativity with something real, local and impactful.”

Student illustrators Jaylynn Sims (Faunn), Vanessa Ong and Damilola Sadiq were all creating art for publication for the first time — an experience that left a lasting impression.

“It felt rewarding to know that my art was going to be part of something people could actually hold, read and enjoy,” said Damilola Sadiq, a senior at Kempner, who described illustrating a published book as an exciting and meaningful experience.

“We worked incredibly hard on this project, and it’s awesome that we also got to connect with our community,” said Vanessa Ong, a sophomore at Kempner.

Jaylynn Sims (Faunn), a senior at Kempner, shared that working on the book helped her realize how her art could “reach and teach a wider audience of individuals,” and she felt proud knowing her illustrations might “inspire children and even young adults to pursue their passions from the ground up.”

For the airport, this was more than just a creative project — it was a reflection of the airport’s approach to community engagement. “We are about customer service — everyone is our customer: pilots, passengers, citizens, students, each other,” said Durbin. “We choose to take action, even if it’s harder. We didn’t know if the book was possible, but we knew an art contest and collaborating with a school was.”

Elizabeth Rosenbaum, former director of aviation, now assistant city manager, said, “It’s been incredible to witness the hard work and dedication that went into creating this book. I hope it serves as an inspiration to the next generation of aviation professionals.”

What started as a bold idea is now a finished children’s book that celebrates real people, real stories and the power of community. You can read the virtual copy of Sally, Anne, & Beth – Built an Airport here: https://designrr.page/?id=428690&token=3362806993&type=FP&h=5510