Whether you’ve stepped on the middle school’s campus or read his book, the name George Dawson resonates with many in Southlake. After learning to read and write at age 98, co-writing his own book and having a CISD campus named after him before he died in 2001, it’s easy to find opportunities to celebrate his legacy. George Dawson Middle School principal Ryan Wilson says the campus still aims to honor the man and his love of reading through his birthday celebration every year.
George Dawson’s Birthday
Starting on January 19, 2003, Ryan says the school comes together every year to celebrate George's passion for literacy. The first year involved a giant sheet cake kids could enjoy, but that has evolved over the past 17 years.
“There have been some Januarys where Mr. Dawson’s bust has simply been decorated with a party hat and some helium balloons,” Ryan chuckles.
Other times, the campus was able to involve people directly from George’s life — like the book’s co-author Richard Glaubman.
“Kids were able to ask questions about Mr. Dawson,” Ryan explains. “Things like, ‘Did he really go fishing every single day? Did he really start every morning eating the same breakfast?’ Things that 12, 13, 14-year-olds were curious about.”
George Dawson’s Book
This year, the campus has incorporated public readings of George’s “Life Is So Good” at the library. During that time, Ryan witnesses his students become more invested in George’s story.
“It’s really cool to watch kids get a glimpse at what Mr. Dawson’s life was like,” he says. “Many of the topics in the book are racially sensitive. It’s extra special for those kids in the middle of the day to actually read that alongside Mr. Dawson’s family.”
George’s granddaughter Mashelle helped organize this new tradition alongside Ryan. She says she loves seeing kids reading about her grandfather, especially since he couldn’t read himself for most of his life.
George Dawson’s Legacy
Ryan wanted to connect the campus with George Dawson and his family while also providing an educational opportunity to learn about the obstacles the man overcame. As the campus continues to celebrate George Dawson, Ryan hopes his story continues to inspire others to keep learning and reading like he did.
“I want the community of Dawson Middle School to not know the building by its name but by its namesake,” Ryan says. “Once they are at George Dawson Middle School, they will know who George Dawson is.”