WACO, Texas – A local lawyer in Waco is leading an initiative to rename Tennyson Middle School in honor of the late McLennan County Commissioner, Pat Miller. Attorney David Schleicher believes that Miller’s three decades of service to the county, along with her ability to unite people, make her an ideal candidate for this recognition. Notably, the current namesake of the school has no connection to the area, making the renaming proposal even more fitting.
Schleicher, who had a longstanding friendship with the late commissioner, has personal reasons to support the renaming. Reflecting on his relationship with Miller, he explains, “I was her lawyer for some things, I was a former member of the Waco school board, our daughter went to Waco schools as did Commissioner Miller’s, her daughter went to Tennyson.” These individual connections further reinforce the appropriateness of honoring Miller in this way.
To proceed with the initiative, Schleicher approached someone in the district to understand the requirements for making the renaming a reality. While expressing his idea, he encountered encouraging feedback from a school board member who saw potential in the proposal. However, community support is crucial for such a change, so Schleicher turned to social media as a platform to gauge public opinion.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with Tennyson alumni, parents of current students, and even Kelly Harp, wife of Clint Harp, voicing their support for the renaming. Schleicher expresses his satisfaction at witnessing the widespread positivity, noting the significant impact Miller had on numerous individuals. Now, the goal is to push the idea forward by presenting it at an upcoming school board meeting, where the discussion can shed light on community support and potentially lead to a vote.
In an update, Schleicher mentioned that he was informed about efforts to name the county records office after Miller. Regardless of whether it is the school or the county records office, Schleicher is fully supportive of either proposal, as long as it ensures that the respected late commissioner is honored in an appropriate manner.
As the effort gains momentum, it highlights the importance of recognizing individuals who have made substantial contributions to their communities. Renaming landmarks in honor of influential figures not only preserves their legacy but also celebrates their achievements and inspires future generations. With the support of the community, this initiative has the potential to create a lasting tribute to Pat Miller’s invaluable service to McLennan County.