Uvalde community builds Legacy Elementary to honor shooting victims

In Uvalde, Texas, the community has taken a significant step in its healing process with the recent opening of Legacy Elementary School, which was designed to honor the 21 victims of the tragic mass shooting that took place at Robb Elementary School in May 2022. The school, which occupies a two-story campus totaling 116,000 square feet, replaces the previous school where the tragedy occurred and serves to provide a brighter future for the local students while memorializing those who lost their lives. The construction of the new school was made possible through a combination of $60 million in donations, grants, and community support, showcasing the solidarity and determination of the people of Uvalde to move forward while remembering the past. The design, led by Huckabee Architects from Fort Worth, incorporates modern security features while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. The school aims to accommodate up to 800 students and will serve third, fourth, and fifth graders, marking a new beginning for the community’s educational landscape. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, school officials emphasized the importance of remembering the victims with dignity and rebuilding with courage. Laura Perez, the president of Uvalde CISD, reflected on the process of healing and moving forward together as a community. Ashley Chohlis, the superintendent, noted the emotional weight that this occasion carried, and a moment of silence was observed to honor the lives lost in 2022. The campus also features a memorial tree that serves as a tribute to the 21 victims, including two large branches for the teachers and smaller branches representing each of the children. In the aftermath of the shooting, which resulted in 19 students and two teachers being killed, the community of Uvalde has faced a long and emotional journey. With the opening of Legacy Elementary, Uvalde not only pays homage to the past but also strives to build a hopeful future, allowing the next generation of students to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. Classes at the new school are set to begin on October 20, 2025.