BUDA, Texas — Hays CISD dedicated a new middle school in Buda on Friday to a legendary local doctor, the late Dr. T.C. McCormick Jr.
The doctor is known for his role in breaking down barriers in a time of segregation. McCormick desegregated his clinic's waiting room and desegregated schools in Buda.
"[He did it] because he loved people. He loved people," said Jerry McCormick, wife of Dr. T.C. McCormick Jr.
The doctor touched the lives of many Central Texans. McCormick is believed to have delivered between 1600 and 1800 babies in the Buda area.
"He could tell you how many babies he delivered in a house that you might pass or whatever. He took such pride in the accomplishments of the children he delivered. Particularly if it dealt with education," said John McCormick, the doctor's son.
On Friday many of those babies, now grown adults, attended the middle school dedication ceremony. Officials said naming the school after Dr. McCormick felt like the perfect tribute to his legacy.
"He was a champion for civil rights and desegregation in 1946. Long before it was popular in the rest of the country. It's that pioneering attitude, the courage it took to do that at that time, that's what we're recognizing here today,” said Hays CISD Spokesperson Tim Savoy.
School begins at the brand new McCormick Middle School on Aug. 22