Commentary; Posted: 5/17/06
Name schools for those who inspire students
By Don Heinzman
Naming public school buildings after inspirational and accomplished individuals can contribute to motivating students.
The trend lately has been naming schools after neighborhoods, rather than individuals, as was the custom in the past.
Communities are naming schools Southwood, Westwood, Twin Lakes, Cherry Hill, Hidden Valley, Hillcrest, Poplar Bridge, to name a few. While these names may be appropriate to the area, they are not very inspiring to students who attend them.
Naming schools after communities is understandable because it identifies them with the place where they live. Likewise, naming schools after towns and cities gives them more identity, especially during tournaments.
Years ago, school boards named schools after presidents, governors and senators and educators. Just about every big town named a school after George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin.
Minneapolis School system just named a school Wellstone, after the late Sen. Paul Wellstone.
The Bloomington school system named its second high school, after John F. Kennedy, the week he was assassinated.
The school continues to carry out the theme of his life. A big painting of the late president is hung right by the entrance. The mascot is the Eagle and the school hymn is taken after the U. S. Navy hymn. His writing and speeches are stressed in the curriculum.
A middle school in Maplewood was the first to be named after astronaut John Glenn. The innovative school board met in special session to name the school just after Glennís successful space flight.
His life inspires not only students but the staff whose grade level teams are named after successful space flights. The student newspaper is named ěThe Capsuleî and the yearbook, ěThe Friendship.î
The Perpich Center for the Arts is named after former Governor Rudy Perpich and his wife who both led legislation to have the school established.
In Minneapolis a school is named Hans Christian Andersen, after the famous author. His works are featured at the school.
Some school boards have named schools after former superintendents, principals and teachers.
In the Lakeville school district, a school is named after Christina Huddleston, who didnít have children of her own, but was very active as a volunteer.
A school could be named after a famous alumnus, showing students they too can become a success, after studying in their hometown.
During these times when few school districts are building new schools, not many will be named.
One name that should be considered is the late Gov. Elmer L. Andersen, who devoted his life to public service and education. A special education commission he chaired as a legislator produced landmark special education legislation that assured every child an opportunity to learn.
Later that new model was enacted by the United States Congress.
School boards should consider naming or renaming schools after individuals who will inspire students to reach their full potential.
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