HOUSTON — An elementary school will be named after a firefighter killed in the line of duty while battling the Southwest Inn Motel fire two years ago.
Houston Chronicle reported that the school, named after firefighter Anne McCormick Sullivan, a Fort Bend (Texas) Independent School District graduate, will open in August 2016.
Sullivan had learning and speech disabilities, but progressed through elementary school with the help of her regular and special education teachers, according to the report. In high school, she ran cross country and played soccer. She later earned her firefighting credentials at Wharton County (Texas) Junior College and went on to work at Houston Fire Department 68.
Sullivan died May 31, 2013, when the Southwest Inn Motel collapsed, killing her and three of her fellow firefighters.
Another elementary school will be named after Carolyn and Vernon Madden, who worked in Fort Bend ISD for a total of 61 years.
The Fort Bend ISD trustees unanimously agreed to the school names.
“As a committee, we felt the Maddens and Ms. Sullivan exemplify selflessness and dedication, and we proudly submitted these namesakes for board consideration,” Christie Whitbeck, Fort Bend ISD’s deputy superintendent, said. “Madden Elementary will carry on Mr. and Mrs. Madden’s legacy of educational excellence, and Ms. Sullivan’s deep ties to Fort Bend ISD, her drive and determination to succeed despite her disabilities, and her bravery in the line of duty will be revered for generations to come.”
Anne McCormick Sullivan Elementary will be constructed at 17828 Winding Waters Lane, Sugar Land, Texas.