Alvin ISD Dedicates New Elementary School in Honor of Renowned Trauma Surgeon Dr. James "Red" Duke

HOUSTON, Sept. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Representatives from Alvin ISD, Memorial Hermann, UTHealth Medical School and the Pearland, Alvin and Manvel communities gathered Sunday to celebrate the official dedication ceremony of Dr. James "Red" Duke Elementary. The school is named in honor of renowned UTHealth trauma surgeon affiliated with Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center (TMC) and founder and medical director of Memorial Hermann Life Flight®, James H. "Red" Duke, Jr., M.D.

"I honestly don't know why I was ever picked for the privilege of having this school named after me; I'm humbled beyond words but I am grateful beyond words as well," said Dr. Duke. "Elementary school is such a formative time in children's lives, when they begin to really perfect those things you learn about courtesy, respect, and honesty. And that's what it's all about."

Approximately 500 people attended the program which featured a performance by Alvin ISD's cast from "Peter Pan, the Musical," two Duke Elementary students who sang the National Anthem, the presentation of colors by Boy Scout Troop 414, a brief video on the history of Memorial Hermann Life Flight, and a special video tribute to Dr. Duke from the students of Duke Elementary.

"For more than 50 years, Dr. Duke has saved lives and inspired others to do the same," said Craig Cordola, CEO of Memorial Hermann-TMC. "A colorful personality, he has lived a robust life of service and extraordinary accomplishments. In addition to his dedication to serving patients, he has always been passionate about teaching and now his legacy will be known to generations to come."

Located in Manvel, Texas, Duke Elementary is a two-story campus with a current enrollment of 852 students in grades pre-kindergarten through fifth. The school has adopted a bulldog mascot and the official colors of maroon and white, in honor of Dr. Duke's alma mater, Texas A&M University.

"This campus is named after a great man who has made a significant impact on our community and has definitely left his mark in history," said Fulvia Shaw, Principal of Duke Elementary. "We will work to ensure that the students who come through the doors of Duke Elementary will be inspired to be innovative, make a commitment to improving their community, and have a clear understanding of the importance of Dr. Duke and all that he stands for."

Dr. Duke, who is also a Korean War veteran, is a world-renowned trauma surgeon known for his extraordinary efforts to train medical students, residents and surgeons, improve outcomes for injured patients and educate the public about important health issues. As one of the first faculty members of UTHealth, he established the trauma service at Memorial Hermann-TMC, the school's primary teaching hospital. In 1976, he was instrumental in developing the Life Flight helicopter program, the only hospital-based air ambulance servicing southeast Texas. As a result of the nationally syndicated Texas Health Reports, which educated millions about topics ranging from kidney stones to injury prevention, he became one of the most recognized personalities in his field.

Contact:
Kathryn Klein // 713-704-5577
[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140909/144585

SOURCE Memorial Hermann Health System