Madera Unified's newest school held rally to welcome students while honoring legacy of its namesake

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Student's toting their artwork gathered in the middle of campus Wednesday morning to celebrate Madera Unified newest school -- Virginia Lee Rose Elementary.

Administrators helped commemorate the day with the ceremonial ribbon cutting -- while also remembering the legacy left behind by the school's namesake.

"We as adults have lifelong memories that Virginia has left us, but she advocated and fought so hard for all the children in Madera," said Madera Mayor Andy Medellin.

The school is named after one of Madera's most beloved volunteers. Rose passed away three years ago but her daughter was in attendance Wednesday.

"Because of my mother and her accomplishments and the love and the blessings bestowed from our community we will always be tied to Madera. It doesn't get any better than that --I don't think," said Margaret Graham, Virginia Rose's daughter.

Eight hundred and fifty students attend Virginia Lee Rose Elementary. The $32 million state of the art campus features high-tech classrooms throughout.

"Our building structure just the architect alone is very unique, in the spiral design, as well as the innovative technology we have in the classrooms," said Virginia Lee Rose Principal Lisa Fernandez

Virginia Lee Rose Elementary school was paid for by Measure U.