An Event to Remember How to make school’s building dedications special

By Ian M. Halperin Executive Director of Community Relations and Marketing Wylie ISD

Naming a school is one of the highest honors a district can bestow on someone. Planning a special event worthy of this honor doesn’t have to be stressful. Over my career, I’ve helped dedicate nearly a dozen facilities, and here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way.

Create a timeline and “to-do list” of major (and some minor) duties for the event. Start with the event date and work backward. Be sure to include people and departments that play a part. This will help make sure everyone stays on track.

Assign someone to be the liaison with the namesake or their family. This will help ensure everyone knows what to expect at the event. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event so encourage them to submit names of family and friends for invitations.

Keep a VIP invitation list ready to go. Your superintendent will thank you. For our events, we list them by category (District VIP, City/Community VIP, Elected Officials, Past Board Members, etc.) and invite those groups that best fit the event. This saves time and creates consistency.

Don’t forget to notify facilities and maintenance. If the event is after hours or on the weekend, be sure HVAC is scheduled. Even new buildings get dirty. Ask for extra custodians to clean the common areas and restrooms before and after the ceremony. Leave the school clean!

Include students. If the campus has a Boy or Girl Scout troop, invite them to lead the pledge. J-ROTC units are great for presenting the Colors. Have the choir sing the school song. Student council and National Honor Society members make great greeters and tour guides.

Keep the program short and sweet. Each person speaking should have prepared remarks. The board president can thank the community, talk about the building and give fun facts about it. The superintendent can talk about the namesake.

If your budget allows it*, consider a memento of the event. Keychains with the school logo/ mascot are nice. Paperweights are as well. Instead of a printed program, consider a souvenir ticket.

*Reach out to your architect and/or construction company for a donation to help offset the cost of these items. They should be happy to help show off the project.