Board Votes to Name Schools for Local Heroes

By Raven L. Hill
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Tuesday, February 28, 2006

An Austinite killed in Iraq, a former mayor and a local civil rights leader are among the individuals whose names will be used in tribute at some of the district's newest schools.

The school board voted unanimously Monday to name schools after Lance Cpl. Nicholas Valdez Perez, former Austin Mayor Gus Garcia, activist Volma Overton, longtime volunteer John Blazier and former school board member Nan Clayton.

Three remaining schools and a performing arts center will be named later.

The facilities were approved under the 2004 bond program. The first two elementary schools will open this fall in Southeast and Northeast Austin.

Trustee Cheryl Bradley called Overton, who died in October, an inspiration. In 1971, he filed a lawsuit on his daughter's behalf that spurred the effort to desegregate Austin schools.

"In many ways, we'll forever be involved in AISD," said Overton's son, Volma Overton Jr. "We're totally involved in doing whatever we can to make AISD a better district for all." Trustee Rudy Montoya, in discussing Perez's accomplishments, recognized the seven other Austin residents who died in Iraq and praised their service as well.

Perez graduated from Travis High School in May 2003 and was the first U.S. soldier from Austin killed in Iraq, in September 2004.

"This is not a political statement," he said. "It is an opportunity for remembrance."

The district received 160 nominations, a varied list that included athletes, musicians and community activists.

Trustees praised the nominees' service.

Garcia was the first Hispanic to serve on the school board and made education the cornerstone of his tenure as mayor.

Blazier is known for working behind the scenes, board members said, raising money for district programs and supporting various initiatives.

Clayton served on the board from 1978 to 1992 and was the second woman elected to it. She remains involved in education affairs in South Austin.