In Uvalde, a poignant moment unfolded as Legacy Elementary, a school built with advanced security features, opened its doors three years after the tragic events at Robb Elementary. Camille Phillips of Texas Public Radio attended the opening ceremony.
ANDREW LIMBONG, HOST:
A new chapter begins in Uvalde with the inauguration of Legacy Elementary, a school established to replace Robb Elementary, where Texas experienced its deadliest school shooting. Camille Phillips from Texas Public Radio was present for the ceremony.
UNIDENTIFIED STUDENT #1: (Singing in non-English language).
CAMILLE PHILLIPS, BYLINE: The young mariachi singers, once students of Robb Elementary back in 2022, were witnesses to the tragic shooting. Now, they perform in the bright and airy library of Legacy Elementary, expressing gratitude for life and the dawn of a new day.
The architectural design of Legacy Elementary features vibrant colors and numerous windows, allowing sunlight to flood in. A striking two-story steel tree is visible through these windows, with its 21 branches symbolizing the two teachers and 19 students who lost their lives. In the courtyard, Javier Cazares, a bereaved father, gazes at the tree, visibly moved.
JAVIER CAZARES: There was a little girl in a dress, and it just reminded me of my daughter, so I got emotional.
PHILLIPS: Cazares, whose 9-year-old daughter Jackie was among the victims, shares mixed emotions about the new school.
CAZARES: It is a great school, you know, for these children. You know, sadly, you know, it takes the lives of our children to make this school.
PHILLIPS: The school stands as a safe haven built in memory of children like Jackie.
TIM MILLER: Let’s walk through here to the third-grade wing.
PHILLIPS: As Tim Miller guides visitors through Legacy Elementary, he highlights the numerous security measures, such as bullet-resistant windows and controlled access points.
MILLER: This would be an example of an access point where, if we didn’t have a badge, this door would not open.
PHILLIPS: Miller, who leads the foundation behind the $60 million fundraising effort for the school’s construction, elaborates on the comprehensive security system.
MILLER: You’ll see cameras throughout the building. There are door prop alarms. So if an exterior door is left open for a little bit of time, the alarm will be sounded.
PHILLIPS: Enhanced door security is crucial, given that the Robb Elementary shooter accessed the school through a door that failed to lock as intended. Investigations revealed a delay by law enforcement in confronting the gunman.
LAURA PEREZ: I work in the operating room. That’s where we had deceased children.
PHILLIPS: Laura Perez, President of the Uvalde School Board and a nurse, reflects on the impact of the tragedy.
PEREZ: The survivors – when I hear those children speak, I think, you know, what they saw, what they smelt, what they heard – I mean, that’s forever.
PHILLIPS: Perez hopes that Legacy Elementary marks a fresh start for its students.
PEREZ: We owe it to Irma, to Eva, to the 19 children, right? This is here because of them. So build beautiful memories, tell the stories. And can’t wait to hear the laughter in the hallways.
UNIDENTIFIED STUDENT #2: (Laughter) Yo.
PHILLIPS: On the playground, laughter and joy return as junior high students, survivors of the shooting, enjoy swings and merry-go-rounds, echoing the sentiments of the song performed at the ceremony—a hopeful step towards a brighter future.
UNIDENTIFIED STUDENT #1: (Singing in non-English language).
PHILLIPS: Reporting for NPR News, this is Camille Phillips in Uvalde.
