Members of the family of Captain Walter Francis Duke gather after the dedication of the school named in his honor.

Leonardtown, MD — The new construction smell is gone and the almost 600 kids have settled in. It was time for the formal dedication of the Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School in Leonardtown. The Sept. 29 ceremony featured many speeches and the formal passing of the symbolic keys down through those involved in the project until the keys reached the hands of several students chosen to represents the student body.

Beth Ramsey described herself as the “Proud Principal” of the new school. She told the large crowd assembled in the cafeteria/auditorium that the school shows “the community holds education as its top priority.”

Ramsey recognized the family of Captain Duke, a World War II flying ace who was killed in combat. She also noted the presence of David Nash, who crafted a replica of Capt. Duke’s plane that hangs in the school. The school motto picks up on the lesson of Capt. Duke — “Where Students Soar.” The school entrance contains a courtyard with the flags of the five armed services.

School Superintendent Scott Smith also recognized the Duke family and asked for a moment of silence in his honor. The superintendent noted that the story told in the school will resonate with the students who attend for years to come.
Looking at the audience and the many people responsible for the school, Smith said, “Know that you have built something very special that will last much longer than all us here today.”

John Bohanan represented Rep. Steny Hoyer and also the Interagency Committee for School Construction, which recommends projects to the Maryland Board of Public Works. He thanked the four Leonardtown residents who pressed for the naming of the school along with the Duke family: Ernie Bell, Al Gough, Kennedy Abell and Tommie Mattingly.

Bohanan noted that Capt. Duke grew up in the very neighborhood surrounding the school. “He was an ordinary young man who grew up to do extraordinary things,” Bohanan said.

Senator Steve Waugh [R – 29th District] said he was the “designated naval aviator” of the delegation. He took time to tell the tale of Capt. Duke’s heroic last mission to save the men of his squadron,

Delegate Matt Morgan [R- District 29A] thanked the people involved in the instruction going on in the school

Delegate Tony O’Donnell [R – 29C] noted that the honors bestowed on the armed services at the new school were unique. “Our school in Leonardtown in St. Mary’s County has it right here.”

Delegate  Deb Rey [R – District 29B], a U.S. Air Force veteran, talked about the green aspects incorporated in the school

St. Mary’s County Commissioner President Randy Guy presented greetings from his board. And School Board Chairman Karin Bailey noted she wasn’t an aviator, but she had two kids in the school system. “I am extremely proud to be here at this dedication,” she said.

Executive Director of the IAC David Weaver read a proclamation from Gov. Hogan and Lt. Gov. Rutherford.

The key ceremony began with Brad Clements, retired deputy superintendent and then was passed to members of the school staff, architect and contractor, school board, principal, teachers and on to the children.

The colors at the beginning of the ceremony were presented by the Great Mills H.S. NJROTC. Pledge of Allegiance was recited by students Lily Bennear, Ethan Edwards, Daniel Espinoza, Nicole Gray, Avery Insley and Harris Smith. America the Beautiful was performed by students under the direction of Robert Mattera.

Espinoza, a fourth grader, read a speech on behalf of the students. He said, “Our school inspires us to be the type of patriot Capt. Duke was.” Second graders Nicole Gray and Avery Insley also gave a student presentation.

Please enjoy a Photo Galley of the dedication by The BayNet Photo Journalist Ron Bailey.

Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com