Families gathered for one final celebration at J.R. Perez Elementary before the Kingsville campus closes its doors.
KINGSVILLE, Texas — Students, teachers and families gathered on Wednesday to celebrate the legacy of Marine veteran Jesus R. Perez as Perez Elementary marked the close of another school year and honored the man the campus was named after.
Family members of Perez joined the celebration alongside current and former students, staff and community members at the Corpus Christi school.
The event featured games, food, train rides and activities for children as the campus reflected on years of memories and achievements.
Carol Esther Perez, the niece of Jesus R. Perez, said the recognition continues to mean a great deal to the family and community.
“Friends and classmates remembered him very well,” Perez said. “He carried himself with a quiet strength and responsibility at a young age.”
Perez said her uncle was remembered not only for his personality and smile, but for making people feel “safe, included and cared for.” She said the family remains grateful the community chose to honor him through the school’s name.
“It is an honor,” Perez said. “There are deep roots here. Many people that are his age are still here and know him well.”
Perez said her uncle had originally enrolled at Texas A&M University before deciding to enlist in the Marines because many of his friends had been drafted to serve in the war.
“He fulfilled his dream of being a Marine,” she said.
The celebration also highlighted students preparing for the next chapter in their lives, including graduating senior Lauryn Sol Moreno, who returned to the campus where she spent her childhood.
“It’s really an honor to come back here,” Moreno said. “It built me as a person.”
Moreno said the school helped shape her leadership, dedication and perseverance as she prepares for college.
Perez Elementary Principal Dr. Esperanza de Leon said the event was about honoring both the school’s history and the people who helped shape it over the years.
“It’s celebrating our students, our families and our community partners,” de Leon said. “It’s a home away from home.”
De Leon, who has worked at the campus for 15 years and served as principal for the last five, said the end of the school year brings mixed emotions for many families and staff members.
“It’s bittersweet,” de Leon said. “But we’re excited about the next chapter for our students and teachers.”
She added that the children are what she will miss most about the campus.