21 Jun 2005
Felix G. Botello Elementary School Named After War Hero, Community Leader
DALLAS– Dallas Independent School District officials, community leaders and members of the Botello family were present at the groundbreaking ceremony held today for the new Felix G. Botello Elementary School at 225 South Marsalis Ave.
Felix Botello was a war hero and community leader who attended DISD schools and dedicated his life to helping others receive an education. After being blinded by an exploding landmine during World War II, he returned to the United States, finished high school and studied law at St. Mary's University in San Antonio.
Botello's sister, Dallas attorney Adelfa Callejo, described her brother as a great patriot and a profile in character, courage and commitment who received three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with Clusters for his heroic acts. "In spite of his blindness, Felix promised God he would help a human being every day of his life, and he did," said Callejo.
"He was the role model in our family when it came to giving back to the community and he had a profound influence on his siblings, children, nieces and nephews."
The 91,000-square-foot school, scheduled to open in fall 2006, will accommodate 800 students and has 37 classrooms, a kitchen, auditorium and cafeteria. The new facility will become a relief school for James Bowie, Harrell Budd, John F. Peeler and John H. Reagan elementary schools.
In January 2002, DISD passed the largest education bond program in the history of Texas. The $1.37 billion program is funding 21 new schools, almost 60 additions that include early childhood additions to present schools, and renovations to nearly every campus in the district. Contractors are working on more than 140 school facilities, including new schools, additions to schools, and renovations to schools. For more information on the bond program, go to www.dallasisd.org/bond.
Upcoming groundbreakings are:
Thursday, June 23 Jerry R. Junkins Elementary School, 2808 Running Duke Drive, Carrollton
Friday, July 15 Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary School (& Middle School at
Vickery Meadow), 7000 Holly Hill Drive