Franklin Middle School Closes After Sixty-Five Years

After 65 years since its opening, May 8^th, 2007, marks the closing of Franklin Middle School. Tonight's open house brought teachers, students, past and present, back to share wonderful memories and renew old friendships. But due to the age, and decay of the building and facilities, Franklin will be closing in the dawn of the new and improved Craig Middle School. The student population will be split, based on new attendance boundaries, between Craig and Mann Middle Schools.

Gone will be the Bronco, which served as a symbol of both excellence and longevity to a community who watched two, three, or more generations, wander through its hallowed halls, in preparation for high school. Some of the teachers and administrators will move to other campuses while some will retire as Franklin Broncos. But some will remember the camaraderie of a family-type atmosphere at Franklin.

Ralph Thornhill, the current Vice-Principal, shares in this particular thought. "It's disappointing Franklin is closing. I've had a wonderful time working with our teachers and our students. I feel we've been a lighthouse to this neighborhood and the staff came to love our students as if they were their own children. For some students, this was a place to be loved and be praised for their accomplishments. I was never called just 'Thornhill'. Our students made sure the 'Mr.' was always there. I felt I made a difference."

When asked about the impact of Franklin's presence, former student and local florist, John Jimenez, had these comments. "Franklin helped with my education, and prepared me for some of life's challenges. I used to work here after school part time, and I enjoyed my art class. The teacher made the experience special."
Susan McKeever, who taught American History at Franklin, shared some of her thoughts of progress. "Eighteen years in one school brings a sense of family with both faculty and students. The age of the building prompted the district to make a change, and I feel Craig will offer a fresh start. There will be a new mix of students and faculty alike, and that is beneficial to the schools. I support our school district in its wisdom to make the proper changes when needed."

Both Mr. Thornhill and Mrs. McKeever are two members of Franklin's faculty who will move to other positions at Cooper and Abilene High School, respectfully. Both also shared memories they will take with them to their new assignments. "For me, it's a toss up between the quality teachers and our wonderful students (even the not so good students). The faculty taught me to be an administrator."

For Mrs. McKeever, the memories were shared with tears welling up in her eyes. "Again, it was a family feeling with both my friends and my students. I loved being able to help those students who, at times, needed that little extra I could give, and it made a difference. To me, the reward is the hugs I get from my students when I see them after they've left here."

Tonight the Franklin Middle School choirs will have their final Pops Concert at the Paramount Theater in Abilene, Texas. As I witnessed this event, and my daughter going up to sing with the choirs, I was reminded of my own experiences at Franklin and as a parent, on how this school shaped my daughter's academic future.