Garland ISD proudly celebrates the renaming of the GISD Natatorium in honor of longtime Board Trustee Larry H. Glick, whose unwavering dedication to public education has shaped the district since 2007.

During his 18-year tenure, Mr. Glick has held every board leadership position, including President, Vice President, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary. His thoughtful guidance has helped shape impactful policies, promote innovation, and ensure that every student in Garland ISD feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. He is known for asking the right questions, celebrating quiet victories, and keeping students at the center of every decision.

To kick off the ceremony, Jason Wheeler, Executive Director of Communications, Marketing, and Media Relations, shared how the new name will elevate the building as a living tribute to Glick’s legacy and leadership.

“We’re not just renaming a building,” Wheeler remarked. “We’re honoring the stories it represents and recognizing Mr. Glick’s enduring impact. This renaming reflects not just what he has done, but who he is: a champion for our children, a pillar of our community, and a trusted voice in education. Today, we honor his legacy with a permanent reminder that leadership, service, and heart can change the course of a district.”

Garland ISD Superintendent Dr. Ricardo López emphasized the Natatorium’s positive impact, especially its role in water safety for elementary students across Garland, Rowlett, and Sachse.

“Every year, hundreds of second-grade students from every elementary school go through the water safety course, and we don’t know how many lives we’re saving just from that alone,” López said. “The Natatorium has become, I would say, a badge of honor for many people within our community.”

López also shared that this marks the first time in Garland ISD history that a building located in the city of Garland has been named after a Rowlett resident.

“It goes to show our growth and that it doesn’t matter where you live. If you’re going to contribute significantly to our community, you deserve the recognition,” López added.

Later in the ceremony, GISD Board President Johnny Beach reflected on Glick’s remarkable contributions.

“I’ve had the privilege to serve alongside Mr. Glick, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the care, integrity, and determination he brings to every decision he makes,” said Beach. “He has always asked thoughtful questions, celebrated the quiet victories, and reminded us, time and again, that students must always come first. It is only fitting that we rename this space in his honor.”

Before taking the stage, Glick unveiled a commemorative plaque that will hang in the building’s vestibule. Dr. López later read the official proclamation, declaring that the building will now be known as the Larry H. Glick Natatorium.

During his remarks, Glick thanked his family, reflected on his time in GISD, and shared personal stories, including one about being caught in a rip current as a child and learning how to save himself. That experience, he said, instilled in him a deep understanding of the importance of water safety.

It’s one reason he became such a strong advocate for the construction of the Natatorium.

“I made a promise to myself that if we ever built a facility like this in Garland ISD, it would be for teaching water safety,” Glick shared.

He concluded by thanking the citizens of Garland, Rowlett, and Sachse, reaffirming his commitment to the district.

“When I coined the phrase that’s now on our masthead — Education Transforms Lives — I truly meant it. That’s what I believe in. And I believe that my presence, the board’s presence, Dr. López’s cabinet, the teachers, and the staff can transform the lives of 50,000 kids. That’s the only reason I’m here. Because the power of education can change every child’s life,” said Glick.

Moving forward, the Larry H. Glick Natatorium will stand not only as a hub for achievement but also as a lasting tribute to one man’s extraordinary commitment to public education.

Visit the Garland ISD Flickr page for additional photos from the renaming ceremony.