TERRELL, Texas — The Terrell Independent School District Board of Trustees recently unanimously voted in approval to rename three district facilities in honor of “hometown legends,” the district announced earlier today.
TERRELL, Texas — The Terrell Independent School District Board of Trustees recently unanimously voted in approval to rename three district facilities in honor of “hometown legends,” the district announced earlier today.
The legends were chosen on the impact to the district, its programs, and its students, according to the district.
John F. Kennedy Elementary School was renamed Gilbert Willie Sr. Elementary School, the Terrell Performing Arts Center was renamed the Jamie Foxx Performing Arts Center, and the press box at Terrell’s Memorial Stadium was named the Bill Griffin Press Box.
Willie dedicated 34 years to Terrell and, in that time, “touched the lives of thousands of students as a role model, teacher, coach, principal, and the first African American assistant superintendent,” the district stated.
Willie graduated from Burnett High School in 1957, began his tenure with Terrell ISD in 1962 as a coach and a teacher, served as an assistant principal for several years, and in 1979 was named principal, according to the district. In 1984, he was named assistant superintendent until he retired in 1996. He passed away on Feb. 28, 2013.
“Gilbert Willie, Sr. had a profound impact on a generation of youth in Terrell, especially through athletic programs,” stated Terrell High School alumni and Terrell Tiger Athletic Hall of Fame member Michael Burt. “Coach Willie was demanding and disciplined, yet always fair and honest. Because of his love of the boys he coached, there are many of us who looked to Coach Willie as a father figure as he was always available to us for advice and guidance.”
Foxx was born and raised in Terrell, Texas, where he graduated in 1986.
“[Foxx] went on to become an award-winning actor, musician, singer, songwriter, producer, and comedian,” stated the district. “His extensive, and impressive list of awards includes a Golden Globe Award, an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, and many more.”
Foxx recently gave a video shoutout to Terrell ISD teachers during their conviction last week. In it, Foxx thanks his teachers for guiding him in his successes while encouraging them to continue being an inspiration for future students.
Griffin, a 1964 graduate of Terrell High School, has been providing play-by-play coverage for the Terrell football program for more than 50 years, according to the district. Griffin also announced basketball and baseball for 35 and 36 years, respectively.
“In addition to being the voice of the Terrell Tigers, Mr. Griffin served as a Terrell ISD School Board Member for 18 years, as well as the President of the Booster Club,” stated the district.
“Terrell ISD and the Board of Trustees are very proud of these three hometown legends, and feel that they are more than deserving of this great honor. With the renaming of these three TISD facilities, their legacy will live on for many generations to come,” Superintendent Micheal French said.
Terrell ISD will host re-dedication ceremonies for the three facilities. Details will be announced once finalized.