Lamar became an IB school in 1982 and this program would later be complemented by the Business Administration Magnet Program established in 1989. In 1987 the school had held its 50th anniversary. It had sent invitations to Tommy Tune, Robert Foxworth, Jaclyn Smith, Tommy Sands, Carlin Glynn, Paula Prentiss, and Candy Tovar. The festivities included appearances from Mayor of Houston Kathy Whitmire, former Governor of Texas Mark White, former Mayor of Houston Fred Hofheinz, Superintendent of HISD Joan Raymond, and others were scheduled to give special presentations.