HP community members joined HPISD trustees, administrators and members of the Boone family Sunday, April 3 to officially dedicate Michael M. Boone Elementary school. “We have been looking forward to this day for a long time,” said HPISD Superintendent Dr. Tom Trigg. “Some of today’s attendees have waited a decade, and it is finally a reality.”
Boone Girl Scout Troop 7014 added to the festivities by leading attendees in the pledge of allegiance. They were joined by fellow students to sing the Boone school song and recite the school creed. The celebration also included remarks that reflected on the community’s investment to plan, design and execute the construction of the first new school in HP since 1948. Speakers included Trigg, Board President Tom Sharpe, Boone Principal Amanda Reyes and the school’s namesake Michael Boone.
“We are dedicating a school today but we are also honoring the school’s namesake, Mr. Boone, former HPISD trustee, an HP alum, and longtime civic leader and public education advocate,” said Sharpe. “His unique skill set gave him a powerful influential voice that has made a difference for our community.”
When Mike Boone took the podium, he was humble. “Having a school named after me was never something I even thought about putting on my wish list of accomplishments,” said Boone. “I am in awe of how this day came to be and I thank the trustees and the naming committee for bestowing this great honor.”
Boone concluded his remarks by pointing to the district’s motto – “Enter to Learn. Go Forth to Serve.” Boone shared that these simple seven words have stayed with him throughout his life and remind him that life is about giving back. “It takes a village to educate a child,” said Boone. “That’s one thing about our community, we all give back time and money to help advance education. That is our legacy.”
Click here to view photos from the event and click here for video.