The Bridge City High School Alumni Association has selected two outstanding alumni as winners of the BCHS Alumni of the Year 2025. Dr. Gina Mannino, BCHS class of 1984 and Judge Rodney Townsend, Jr., class of 1989 will be honored prior to the homecoming game on September 26 and again at the annual alumni association Classic Cardinal Reunion on September 27.
Dr. Gina Mannino is the daughter of Lorraine Mannino and the late Kenneth Mannino. Her sister is Jan Menard and brother-in-law Glenn Menard. While in high school Gina was the Cardinal mascot for 1982-1983, on student council and was a state finalist on the mock trial team. Mannino began her career after graduation as a teacher at Aldine and Nederland ISD. From there she worked as an educational consultant for Region 5 Education Service Center, then as executive director of curriculum and instruction at W. Orange Cove-CISD and became principal for that district at Bancroft Elementary. Mannino then became the principal at Sims Elementary then Bridge City High School. She was the first female principal for BCISD and the first BCHS alumni to serve as high school principal.
Dr. Mannino received her Doctorate in Education Leadership from Lamar University then became assistant superintendent for Bridge City ISD. She retired from the school district in 2023. Dr. Mannino is currently an adjunct professor for Lamar University and serves on the United Way of Orange County board of directors, the Salvation Army board, the Bridge City Education Foundation, and the Bridge City High School Alumni Foundation. She is currently a city council member, Place 2, for the city of Bridge City and a member of St. Henry Catholic Church serving on their finance committee. Mannino list her hobbies as cooking, traveling, and volunteering.
Rodney Townsend, Jr. graduated from Bridge City High School in 1989. He is the son of Rodney Townsend, Sr., and the late Debbie Townsend. During high school he was a linebacker earing two-time All-State honors, recognition as a Prep All-American, and earned a place on Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Super Team. He attended Brigham Young University then a back injury ended his football career prematurely, leading him back home to complete his bachelor’s degree at Lamar University.
Townsend began his professional career in marketing, working for the Hearst Corporation between Laredo and College Station, before pursuing his passion for law at South Texas College of Law in Houston, where he earned his Juris Doctorate. He launched his legal career at a nationally recognized firm, focusing on FELA and Jones Act Seaman cases. In 2003, he returned to Orange County, joining a local firm as a partner. After Hurricane Ike devastated both his home and office, he founded The Townsend Law Firm. Over the next 17 years he built a respected practice, recovering millions of dollars for clients in property and personal injury claims wrongfully denied by insurance companies. His practice spanned civil, criminal, family law, probate, wills, contracts, and business formation.
Townsend became a mediator, handling thousands of mediations and earning respect of peers across the legal community. His accolades include Texas Bar Foundation – Lifetime Fellow, AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, National Top One Percent Lawyers, National Association of Distinguished Counsel, and Pro Bono Attorney of the Year for his work with veterans.
In 2023, Townsend decided to run for judge of County Court at Law #2 in Orange County. He was sworn into office on January 1, 2025. Judge Townsend currently presides over criminal, civil, and family law cases. Additionally, he has jurisdiction over all Juvenile (10-17yrs olds) criminal cases in Orange County.
Judge Townsend is a supporter of Bridge City Ministerial Alliance, Orange County Special Angels Rodeo, Salvation Army, United Way, Veterans Stand Down Event, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Ducks Unlimited, and Coastal Conservation Association
Judge Townsend has served on numerous boards including Bridge City Athletic Booster Club,
Jefferson County Bar Association and presently supports Orange Meals on Wheels and the Bridge City High School Alumni Association Foundation.
Rodney is married to Dr. Amy Townsend, a Bridge City class of 1993 alum, who is a physician in Orange County. They have one daughter, Alexandria Townsend, who graduated from Bridge City in 2018. Alex is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and University College of London and currently resides in Houston.
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