Students, teachers and alumni gathered on Friday morning at Jose H. Damian Elementary School to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the opening of the CISD campus with a heartfelt ceremony that featured the family of the school’s namesake.
Students celebrated the anniversary of the JDE, as the school is known in Canutillo, with songs, poems and a special presentation to the Damian Family.
“Since 1992, Jose Damian Elementary has been a beacon of exemplary instruction,” said Principal Dr. AnaElisa Lee. “We are fortunate to have been built with a foundation of care for our community that will carry us through the next 30 years with the same drive for academic excellence.”
The campus at the intersection of Borderland and Strahan roads, is named after Jose H. Damian, a forefather of Canutillo ISD who served on the Board of Trustees for 30 years before retiring in the early 2000s.
Mr. Damian, who died in 2018, left behind a legacy of education in the District that includes children and grandchildren who are now educators in Canutillo ISD and other districts in the region.
“My father always wanted to help the children of Canutillo. That’s what drove him to serve this community,” said his son, Ricardo Damian. “My family is grateful that his work continues with this school and with the excellent work that is happening here.”
CISD Superintendent Dr. Pedro Galaviz said he JDE is an integral part of the Canutillo Community.
“I met Mr. Damian when I first came to Canutillo and I immediately knew that his passion for our children and our District was legendary,” he said. “Here’s to another 30 great years for JDE!”