“As a former student, I can confidently say that I speak for countless others when I express my gratitude to him for his profound dedication to education, to this community, to our students.”

— Superintendent Dr. Donna Mcdaniel

DEKALB, Texas — Dekalb Independent School District hosted about 300 people on Thursday morning for an event commemorating the career and life of one of its own.

“In 2022, the school board decided to name the middle school after a longtime and beloved educator in Dekalb, Mr. James L. Germany,” Dekalb School Board President Kyle Dooley told the crowd of community memebers, students, teachers and administrators. In addition to a new name, he said the middle school campus also has a new entryway, office and band hall area.

“We’d like to give memory to all the deceased and special memory to my parents,” Germany said, after he thanked all in attendance. “I

stand on their shoulders — very hard-working poor people, rich in love, rich in kindness and understanding the value of education.”

Germany thanked his wife for her love and understanding and gave thanks to the Spring Hill School principal who not only gave him his first teaching job but also drove him 40 miles to and from work as Germany had no car — and didn’t charge him a cent.

“I never dreamed of such, never dreamed of such a thing happening like this, a school named after me, James L. Germany Middle School. I’m eternally grateful,” he said.

Superintendent Dr. Donna Mcdaniel thanked TSSC Enterprises Metal Works & Construction for rejuvenating the buildings, the board members for seeing their vision through and Germany for his dedication to education.

“As a former student, I can confidently say that I speak for countless others when I express my gratitude to him for his profound dedication to education, to this community, to our students,” she said. “For many of us, Mr. Germany was the first male teacher we encountered in the classroom … It was a little intimidating to come to middle school, it was a little daunting, but his infectious energy, warm smile and unwavering enthusiasm is what made the difference for all of us.”

Mcdaniel said Germany taught his students that, no matter where they came from, they have the potential to achieve greatness.

The event ended with a ribbon cutting but was punctuated with performances from Rhonda Stone and Janis Jackson. Stone sang “It Is Well With My Soul” as Jackson played the keyboard. Tyrus Robinson, the pastor of Mount Pisgah Church, played piano as his wife, Charlotte, sang “Goodness of God.”

Mcdaniel said the school’s new band hall would help students in their band classes as well as during their learning, citing studies that learning music bolstered education.

“I’m just so proud that they’re at these state-of-the-art facilities,” she said. “Everything in there is brand new and we just want to provide to help grow our program.”

The new front portion of the building is secured and has new office space, as well as several mementos about Germany’s time as a student at the school.