Carver, Liberty Grove Officially Dedicated
Article Date: November 12, 2007
The Garland Independent School District officially welcomed its two newest facilities last week as George Washington Carver and Liberty Grove – both elementary schools – were christened at dedicatory receptions.
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District trustees and guest speakers joined GISD administrators, principals and school choirs at each campus to deliver addresses, dedications and songs.
Resurrected to honor Garland’s former black-only high school from the days before desegregation, George Washington Carver ES, carries the name of the famous African American agricultural and botanical researcher. The facility is located near the intersection of Wynn Joyce Road and Country Club Road. In a uniquely designed program, officials incorporated members of the former high school into the ceremony as special guests.
Chester Johnson, president of Carver Alumni Association Programs and Services, delivered the dedicatory address. Following his speech, members of the Carver ES Honor Choir were joined on stage by Carver School alumni where they performed Carver’s original alma mater.
After the song, Johnson presented a portrait of George Washington Carver to Dr. Jennifer Porter – principal of Carver ES – and thanked her for embracing the activities that embody such historical and educational achievement within Garland’s African American community.
Liberty Grove ES also opened its doors to community members at its dedication. Historical accounts indicate that the school is situated almost directly across the street from the original school building on Liberty Grove Road in Rowlett.
The old Liberty School was christened after a merger of the communities of Elm Grove and Liberty. The school house served as much more than an education facility, hosting weddings and functioning as a local movie theater.
Both new facilities share the same floor plan designed by Corgan Associates Inc. and contracted by Hisaw and Associates. They cover more than 83,000 square feet and maintain a building capacity of 866.
The two libraries serve as focal points at each campus, situated between the main hallway and classroom clusters. Windows are strategically placed at eye-level of the youngsters, providing them ongoing visual contact with volumes of books. A 60-station computer lab is also operating at both campuses.
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