On Dec. 9, the Northshore School District School Board finalized and announced the name for Elementary #21, currently under construction, as “Ruby Bridges Elementary School.” The choice was selected from eleven finalists and was based on feedback from students and the community. The chosen name adheres to Policy 9250, which sets clear guidelines and criteria for school names. 

In selecting the name Ruby Bridges, the district said in an official statement that they aimed to recognize the resonance of such a famous figure within the local community. Bridges is known for being one of the first African-American students to attend an all-white school in New Orleans, and her bravery in the face of prejudice has made her one of the symbols of the civil rights movement. Bridges said she was honored by the decision. 

“It’s been 59 years since I took those first steps that helped put our country on a new, more equitable path in education,” Bridges said. “My hope is that every child who steps foot in Ruby Bridges Elementary will create their own opportunity to make positive change in our world.”

 According to King 5, supporters of the name hope that these values of tolerance and unity modeled by Bridges will be a positive inspiration to future students.