Aldine ISD dedicates new school

Pictured with namesakes Leonard and Glenda Marcella are members of the Aldine ISD Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Wanda Bamberg who gathered for the official dedication ceremony of Marcella Intermediate School on Sunday. Oct. 28. Pictured are (l-r): Board Member Merlin Griggs

Family members, friends and colleagues gathered to share in the joy of Leonard and Glenda Marcella during the official dedication ceremony of Aldine ISD’s newest intermediate school that bares their name.
Leonard and Glenda Marcella Intermediate School opened its doors in August becoming the district’s 10th intermediate school serving fifth- and sixth-grade students.
The Marcellas devoted 37 years of service to the students, staff and Aldine community as Leonard served on the Aldine ISD Board of Education for 10 years and Glenda devoted 20 of her 27 years in public education supporting educators by using her talents as a technology specialist.
Both of them thanked the current Board of Education for naming a school in their honor.

“We want to thank the board for bestowing this honor on us,” Leonard said during his remarks.
The Marcellas also challenged the school’s staff and community to make Marcella Intermediate a shining star in the field of education.
“I challenge you (the Marcella staff) to make this school one of the best in the state,” Leonard said. ‘It was our honor and pleasure to serve you and this community.”
Like her husband, Glenda said she was humbled to have a school named in their honor.
“We can think of no better legacy to leave our children and grandchildren than to have a school named after us. This school will be here long after we are gone. I hope all of you can find ways to give back to your community,” she said.
The dedication ceremony began with introductions by Ben Wilson, assistant superintendent of community and governmental relations. Marcella students Tieka Baldwin and Joey Johnston led the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the pledge to the Texas flag, which was followed by the reciting of the school creed by student Malik Johnson. Marcella assistant principal James Allison delivered the invocation, which was followed by principal Kathy Sandoval who delivered the occasion address.
Band director Carrie Hitt and the Marcella Percussion Ensemble then performed, which was followed by the dedication address delivered by Sandoval.
Board President Marine Jones then officially dedicated the school on behalf of the district, which was followed by the acceptance of the school by student Joey Johnston, teacher Wanda Roberson, parent Maria Castaneda and business partner Kerri Stessel of Firestone Tires.
Following the Marcella’s address, students Daniella Carrizallez and Morganne O’Hemeng unveiled the portrait of the Marcellas that will hang in the school.
The Marcella Faculty Choir then performed “Wind Beneath My Wings” before Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. Wanda Bamberg delivered the closing remarks.