Community leaders, students and parents joined Dallas ISD officials in touring Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Middle School, 2939 St. Rita Drive, during the official dedication ceremony Friday, Oct. 26.
Principal Barbara Moham welcomed visitors to the environmentally sustainable school, which combines cutting-edge technology with innovative design. Moham was followed by the Justin F. Kimball High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Color Guard, led by Sergeant Calvin Breedlove, as they presented the flags. Dallas ISD Superintendent of Schools Mike Miles was joined by Trustee Carla Ranger who thanked the audience for approving the 2008 $1.35 billion bond program that made the school possible.
Both the Zan W. Holmes Lionettes Dance Team, led by Director Yolanda Burton, and the middle school choir, led by Director J. DeFayette, delighted the audience. Speakers representing several aspects of Rev. Holmes’ community involvement––from the beginning of his career to his current advocacy for education––shared their personal memories.
Following presentations by Rev. Rickie Rush from the Inspiring Body of Christ Church and David Whiting with Comerica Bank, Rev. Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. thanked Dallas ISD for bestowing such an honor upon him. A spiritual leader, political powerhouse and civil rights activist, Holmes is known for passionately advocating for social justice and equality.
Larry Zerby, Director of Design for Dallas ISD’s construction services, provided a project overview. Perkins + Will served as the project’s architect team, AECOM as the project manager and Rogers-O’Brien acted as the general contractor.
In May 2008, Dallas voters supported a $1.35 billion bond program, paving the way for the district to build eight elementary schools, four middle schools and two high schools, and construct 177 new classrooms on 13 existing campuses. In addition, the bond program will provide roughly $521 million to renovate more than 200 schools, and add 19 new science labs at six secondary schools and updates to 16 school kitchens and 22 lunchrooms. Information on the allocation of bond funds can be found at www.dallasisd.org/bond2008.
A good name from a good man for a good school.