Courtesy Michael Turner/Wylie East student
Former President George W. Bush and Maricela Helm, principal of George W. Bush Elementary School, pose for a picture with students at a ceremon dedicating the newest Wylie Independent School District campus.

From Staff Reports

An appreciative former President George W. Bush received honors from Wylie Independent School District at a dedication ceremony today at the recently opened George W. Bush Elementary School.

The dedication was attended by GWB students and their parents, WISD trustees and administrators, various elected officials and a limited number of guests.

GWB is a dual language campus opened Aug. 22 with 555 students and is designed for a maximum population of 900 students. It is located in the Inspiration housing subdivision in St. Paul.

Guests were welcomed by GWB Principal Maricela Helm who introduced the President.

“Today is the ‘Life of Riley’ in Wide Awake Wylie and beautiful St. Paul,” Bush said. “I am proud to have my name associated with a school of high achievement.”

Bush pointed out that as governor of Texas, he followed in the footsteps of one of the historical greats, Sam Houston, who had been a teacher in his career and counted that as one of his greatest honors.

“For the teachers here, I thank you for your dedication and I thank you for your hearts,” the President said. “To the parents, it is important to understand you are your child’s first teacher.”

“As I look at the faces of the future of Texas, it gives me great hope,” the President concluded.

An official portrait to be hung in the school was unveiled.

Public tours of the school are being offered at 10 a.m. Saturday during a cornerstone ceremony.