APRA HEIGHTS, Guam (NNS) — Guam South Elementary/Middle School will be renamed Aug. 29 after space shuttle Columbia pilot Cmdr. William C. McCool, during a name change ceremony at the school. A former Navy test pilot, he served as the pilot for shuttle mission STS-107. He and the shuttle’s crew were lost Feb. 1 while completing their mission.
Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo introduced H.R. 672, which became public law April 22, to rename the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) school after McCool, who had close ties to Guam. He attended two public schools at Guam — Dededo Middle School and John F. Kennedy High School from 1975 to 1977.
“The people of Guam are very proud of our connection with Cmdr. McCool. We are pleased to be able to rename the school in his memory,” said Bordallo. “His hard work, dedication and accomplishments in his academic, athletic and professional life is an excellent example for our children.”
“The Cmdr. William C. McCool Elementary/Middle School will serve as a symbol of pride and achievement to our island school children,” said governor of Guam, Felix P. Camacho. “The eyes of the world will be on the name change ceremony, serving as a fitting tribute to a man who lived his dreams and who will forever be a part of the lives of the people of Guam.”
Guam South Elementary/Middle School is one of four DODEA schools opened on Guam in September 1997. Guam South Elementary/Middle School employs 74 staff members and enrolls 810 children of Department of Defense, State Department, and other federal employees.
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