In celebration of a local hero and a champion of education, the Killeen community gathered in force Thursday to dedicate Killeen ISD’s new Dr. Jimmie Don Aycock Middle School.
A longtime veterinarian who served in the Texas House of Representatives, an emotional Aycock said during the dedication ceremony that education transforms lives.
Board President Brett Williams described Aycock’s legacy as a call to public service.
As a state representative for 10 years, he served as chairman of the House Public Education Committee in 2013 and 2015, spearheading House Bill 5 that reduced standardized testing and encouraged exploration of career paths in high school.
He earned the Champion of Education Award from the Texas Association of School Boards and served on the KISD Board of Trustees.
“Naming our new middle school campus after Dr. Jimmie Don Aycock honors his enduring influence and dedication to fostering education,” said Williams.
“His work is etched not only in legislation but also in the hearts and minds of those whose lives he has touched.”
After thanking past and present school board members and his family, Aycock grew emotional as he considered his long service, caring for animals and the land and later working in the legislature.
Jimmie Don and Marie Aycock first arrived in Killeen in 1972 and one of his first veterinary clients was the Yowell Ranch, the property that is now a housing subdivision that includes the Aycock Middle School.
“Education has changed lives forever,” said Aycock. “For those of you who have children here, encourage them, love them, send them here with pride. For those of you who are staff here, I want you to know it’s a great honor. Lives are changed forever.
“The children who go through here go on to do great things. Give them the best start. Give them courage to do great things, the special hand up.”
Aycock Principal Savannah Jimenez presented the school’s namesake with a customized school letterman jacket, which he put on immediately. His wife, son and daughter also received jackets.
The dedication ceremony, said the principal, signals a time of hope, promise and excellence.
“Our vision at JDA is clear,” she said, “to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that empowers every student to excel.”
The school’s namesake, she said, serves as an inspiration of service. “His commitment to improving the lives of students and his belief in the transforming power of education are values we strive to embody.”
State Rep. Brad Buckley also honored the former legislator, who served from 2007 to 2017 and has been a mentor to him.
Like Aycock, Buckley is a veterinarian, a former KISD board member and serves in the Texas House of Representatives and chairs the Public Education Committee.
Through a 40-year friendship, Buckley said he has known Aycock as Jimmie Don, Dr. Aycock, Rep. Aycock and as Chairman Aycock. “At every step, I’ve looked up to him as a friend and as a mentor.”
“He’s left big shoes to fill and has made me better at all of my jobs,” he said.
“Sometimes the best example of leadership is played out right in front of you,” said Buckley. “I am so fortunate to know this man and I cannot think of a more worthy individual’s name to be on this beautiful building.”
Praising the building contractor and architects, as well as KISD leaders, Superintendent Jo Ann Fey said it is the students and campus staff members who will bring the 184,349 square-foot space to life.
“We know this building is state-of-the-art and is designed with our students and interactive learning in mind,” said Fey, “but it is the teachers and instructional staff, the learning that will take place in these rooms that will truly bring this space to life, fostering innovation, creativity, and academic excellence.”
School leaders, including teachers have met over the summer to discuss the new school’s core values and mission.
“We will start this school year with a strong foundation and a unified purpose,” Jimenez said.
Chaparral JROTC senior cadet Dominic Medrano led the audience in the state and nation’s pledges.
A Junior ROTC color guard, drum line, and dance team from nearby Chaparral High School supported the dedication ceremony.
Chaparral High School at 4400 Chaparral Road is down the street from the new Aycock Middle School, 5630 Chaparral Road. The two schools share the same color scheme and are already making connections.
The Aycock mascot is the Roadrunner. School colors are navy, cardinal and silver.
See our photo gallery of the dedication ceremony here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720318928554
