SHERMAN, Tex. -- Sherman ISD cut the ribbon at their newest campus. School officials dedicated Percy W. Neblett Elementary School Friday afternoon. The ceremony in the school cafeteria highlighted Neblett's life, as well as accomplishments of the school district.

Neblett worked in the Sherman school district for 43 years. He spent 24 years at the principal and coach at the old Frederick Douglass High School. Under his leadership, the tennis team won numerous state championships. When Douglass High closed in 1965, was assistant principal at Sherman High and Dillingham Junior High.

After retiring from the district, Neblett served on the Sherman School board.

"I know that he would be pleased," says Al Hambrick, Sherman ISD superintendent. "I think that this school will be a good representation of what he stood for and we're just really proud that this could be done in his honor."

Neblett's family says he loved quoting poetry and being an educator.

"I cannot see how learning cannot happen here. Learning has to happen here, such a beautiful school," Charlotte Neblett Douglass, Neblett's daughter says.

As his family and school administrators proudly open this campus, they look forward to the enhanced learning environment. The classrooms have extra windows and light shelves for more sunlight in the building.

They hope to leave a legacy that goes beyond bricks and mortar.

"That will essentially be his legacy," Charlotte says. "Not his name on a the building but what goes on inside here, what the teachers instill in the kids in terms of principles, in terms of discipline."

Neblett died in 2006, months before the district decided to name the building after him. His family says he was a man of few words. If he were present at the ceremony, they say he would have said, "It's all right," showing he was very pleased.

Students and staff from Washington Elementary will occupy the building this year, until construction at their campus is complete.
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