Goolsby Elementary welcomes namesakes back to Summerlin

Faculty and administrators at John and Judy Goolsby Elementary had a chance to meet the school's namesakes at a special preopening event. The institution is one of two new public elementary schools that opened in the Summerlin master-planned community for the 2004-2005 academic year.

John Goolsby, former president of The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin, and his wife, Judy, toured the property, visited with staff, and enjoyed a multimedia presentation chronicling the project's development.

"It's an honor to work at a school named for such important and accomplished people as the Goolsbys," Principal Trudi Abell said. "Mr. Goolsby was instrumental in bringing forth the Summerlin vision, and the rest, as they say, is history."

Abell said she admired Goolsby's significant leadership role in the development of the Las Vegas Valley.

"We've created a school philosophy based on leadership, and we will strive to be one of the top achieving schools in Southern Nevada. The Goolsby name is a big one to live up to, but we are up to the challenge."

Judy Goolsby said it was an honor and a privilege to have the family name on an educational institution.

"As parents and grandparents, John and I know firsthand the role schools play in the development and growth of young children," she said. "Schools are second only to the family in the shaping and education of future generations. We are honored to have such a legacy to share not only with the children of Summerlin, but with our own family."

The Texas natives have since moved to San Antonio. They count their dogs as important family members, so it's fitting that the new school's mascot is the greyhound. In fact, an entire wall in the facility features photos of each teacher with their dog or, in many cases, dogs.

"While being a dog lover wasn't a requirement to teach at Goolsby, it's obvious dogs rule," Abell said.

Larry Brocato, executive vice president of Hughes Corp., said education is a cornerstone of Summerlin.

"From the beginning, we recognized the importance of schools as keepers of the community's heart and soul," he said. "Schools are not only places of learning for our children, they unite residents and create a social bond within the community. We continue to work with Clark County School District and private school operators to ensure that the educational needs of the community remain a top priority.

"We are particularly proud of the Goolsby school. It's a beautiful and well-appointed facility with strong leadership that will undoubtedly live up to its namesake. (The) school district's decision to name the school in honor of the Goolsbys is also an honor for The Howard Hughes Corporation, and helps to preserve a significant piece of Summerlin history."

Summerlin has ranked as the country's best-selling master-planned community for much of the last decade, according to independent surveys. It aligns the western edge of the Las Vegas Valley. Amenities include 107 neighborhood and village parks, more than 100 miles of trails, houses of worship, shopping centers, medical facilities, cultural facilities, business parks and nearly 120 model homes.

Single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums are priced from the mid-$300,000s to more than $2 million. Custom-home sites are priced from the $500,000s.

Monthly rent for apartments starts from the mid-$800s.

For more information about the community, visit www.reviewjournal.com/real estate and click on the Summerlin link.

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