Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Finalists Revealed for Renaming Lexington Traditional Magnet School

Students engaging in a community discussion about school renaming

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News Summary

Lexington Traditional Magnet School has unveiled four final naming recommendations aimed at honoring local history and community contributions. The names include prominent figures in the fight against slavery and education. Principal Bryne Jacobs stresses the importance of inclusivity and community involvement in the renaming process. The chosen name is set to be presented to the Fayette Board of Education by the end of March as part of the school’s ongoing transformation into a vital academic center.

Lexington Reveals Finalists for School Renaming to Honor Local History

Four final recommendations for the new name of Lexington Traditional Magnet School (LTMS) were unveiled on Tuesday, marking a significant step in the effort to honor the school’s history and the contributions of the Lexington East End community. The proposals aim to reflect the school’s ongoing transformation and the values it represents.

Finalist Names and Their Significance

The finalist names include:

Emmanuel “Manny” Caulk Middle School – honoring the late Fayette Superintendent who passed away in 2020
Lewis and Harriet Hayden Middle School – named after Black abolitionists who escaped slavery in Kentucky through the Underground Railroad
LEX for Lexington Middle School – a simpler name emphasizing the school’s location
Helen Caise Wade Middle School – honoring the first Black student to integrate Fayette County Schools

Emphasizing Community and Inclusivity

Principal Bryne Jacobs highlighted the importance of selecting a name that reflects the spirit of current school programs. The renaming initiative aims to restore pride in LTMS, affirming its role as a vital part of the local education community. The school leadership team conducted community sessions, engaged students in research on the potential names, and surveyed families online to gather feedback.

There is an intention to present the chosen name to the Fayette Board of Education by the end of March. As LTMS transforms into an academic and arts powerhouse in downtown Lexington, the new name is seen as integral to its future identity.

Historical Context of LTMS

LTMS has served the East End Lexington community for over a century. Originally opened as Lexington Senior High School in the early 1900s, the institution has undergone significant changes, including a prior name of Lexington Junior High School before it became its current designation.

Students recently showcased their research on the proposed names at a school event, demonstrating their commitment to the process. Jacobs has stressed the need for inclusivity and strong community involvement, ensuring that the student body’s desire for representation is respected. Community leaders have also raised concerns regarding communication leading up to discussions surrounding the renaming, highlighting the necessity for robust involvement from local stakeholders in the decision-making process.

Commitment to Local History

Jacobs intends for the renaming process to serve as an educational opportunity for students, teaching them about local history and the figures associated with the proposed names. Noteworthy is the forthcoming plan for a statue honoring Lewis and Harriet Hayden, which will be established regardless of the final name chosen for the school.

As the school community continues to engage in discussions around the renaming, it becomes evident that this initiative is not merely about changing a name, but rather about recognizing and celebrating the profound history and contributions of individuals who have shaped Lexington’s cultural landscape.