The Uvalde community honors Robb Elementary victims by opening a new, secure school symbolizing loss and legacy.
UVALDE, Texas — A symbol of loss and legacy, the Uvalde community came together to open a new school in honor of those who were killed at Robb Elementary.
19 students and two teachers lost their lives after a shooter opened fire inside the school in May of 2022.
Now a tree is at the heart of the legacy, with nineteen little branches representing the students’ lives that were lost and the two big branches representing the teachers lost at Robb Elementary.
Friday, during a ribbon cutting ceremony, the community was serenaded by children, the same age as the 19 students killed at Robb Elementary would be today.
“We fully recognize that these loving children or teachers will never be able to walk the halls or teach in their classrooms,” said Jesse Rizo, uncle to one of the victims.
Evadulia Orta told KENS 5 the new school brings mixed emotions.
“I’m happy and sad at the same time,” Orta said.
Happy to see their legacy alive, in the new symbols representing each grade, connecting them to Uvalde with monarchs, bees, sun rays, and streams. But upset their babies aren’t there for any of it.
“I think about the building because my son wanted to be a contractor; it reminds me of him. This is what he would’ve wanted to do when he grew up,” Orta said.
And safety is top of mind at Legacy Elementary. The visitors’ center is where everyone will come in to get a badge and then have access to level one of the building.
With trauma-informed design, there are calm rooms on both floors, along with brain-based learning. The school, which can hold 800 students was built with classrooms visible from the hallway with bulletproof glass. Sensors are on every door to notify the administration if one is open for too long. Bathrooms are located inside and outside the classrooms, along with areas specifically designed for special ed.
The school was all made possible by the community and countless donors who all had a say in the ultimate design. Around 600 students will fill this space and legacy on Oct. 20.
KENS 5 was told every student and teacher at the current elementary school will be moved to this school.