By Macy Meinhardt, Voice and Viewpoint Staff Writer
School leaders, students, and supporters of the late George Walker Smith gathered Wednesday to celebrate the opening of an education campus named in his honor.
Known throughout the San Diego community as an esteemed leader in the fields of civics, religion, and education, the campus now houses Central Elementary School and Wilson Middle School under his name and legacy.
“Wilson Middle and Central Middle started with a dream. Someone had a dream for our City Heights community. And today we are all here to celebrate not only the idea behind the dream, but that that dream has actually come true today,” said Central Elementary Principal, Angelica Hueso-Garcia.
As the first African-American elected to office in San Diego back in 1963, Reverend Smith served on the San Diego Unified School Board for over sixteen years, with four terms as president. His tenure in public service played an instrumental role in increasing the diversity of the district’s teaching staff, and he displayed an unwavering commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunities for every student. Further expanding his scope of influence, in 1976 he was elected President of the National School Board Association.
“The great Reverend dedicated his life towards fighting against discrimination, fighting for inclusion, and fighting for equity. This [the campus] represents part of that dream of bringing people of all walks of life into one complex in the City Heights community,” said Superintendent of San Diego Unified, Dr. Lamont Jackson.
Standing on the grounds of her Grandfather’s legacy, Taj N. Stewart spoke to the audience with pride as she shared memories and sentiments of what education and civic service meant to Reverend Smith.
“My grandfather was a great man. He loved his family. He loved the church, and he loved his community. When I think about education, when it comes to my grandfather, he was a lifelong learner,” said Stewart.
As a beacon for all vocational trades within K-12 education, the student body from Hoover High School, Central Elementary, and Wilson Middle School showcased their diverse talents and interests groups Wednesday morning. Kicking off with a festive welcome by the mariachi band, followed by a robotics demonstration from Wilson Middle. Other performances in the second half of the ceremony included a spirited drumline performance and a cheer routine from Hoover High School.
Built in the heart of City Heights, the construction of the facility reportedly cost about $100 million to build and was funded by voter-approved bond measures to repair, renovate, and revitalize neighborhood schools.
“When you go home this afternoon, I want you to say thank you to your parents, your grandparents, your aunts and uncles to your neighbors, because they are the ones that made this happen,” said Richard Barrera, Board of Education Trustee, San Diego Unified.
Barrera went on to explain to the audience how the effort of getting the school finalized was a process fifteen years in the making and represented a sacrifice many generations of families made for the students who would ultimately get to inhabit it.
The newly constructed Central Elementary boasts nine new buildings with twenty-six classrooms that include preschool, kindergarten and special education rooms, as well as a library center, daycare, and an after-school program.
Carrying Reverend Walker Smith’s mission of diversifying education, Central representatives proudly boasted their diverse student body, stating that “many new immigrants find their first home on American soil here.”
Meanwhile over at Wilson Middle school, the facility includes seven new buildings, equipped with a new performing arts center, a health center, and an innovative three level parking structure with playcourts on the top floor.
“So as we focus on equity, belonging and thriving, the conditions are set for our students, for our families, for our educators to have what they need to be successful,” said Superintendent Jackson as he looked out at the audience.
Further remarks were heard from friends and family members of Reverend Smith as the ceremony closed out.
“Education is powerful regardless of how you obtained it. It is powerful, and no one can take it from you. I thank you all again. On behalf of my family. This beautiful campus is just amazing. It really is amazing. Thank you,” said Ms. Stewart.
With the education complex now officially open, the enduring influence of Reverend Walker Smith’s contributions to education and civic affairs will live on for future San Diego generations to come.
