HIGH POINT, N.C. — Guilford County Schools hosted a ribbon cutting for Sylvia Mendez Newcomers School in High Point.
It is the first school in the state named after a Latino person.
At only 8 years old Sylvia Mendez paved the way in a federal case called Mendez vs. Westminster. The decision ruled that the segregation of Hispanic children in schools is unconstitutional. That same case started the groundwork for the Supreme Court case Brown vs. The Board of Education which banned segregation of all races in all U.S. schools.
"I was 8 years old when I was turned away, 9 years old when I was in court. 10 years old when I finally went into an integrated school and I realized that not everyone is prejudiced," Mendez recalled.
She said she didn't realize her voice could help change modern U.S. Schools.
Sylvia Mendez Newcomers School in High Point lets students get an introduction to U.S. Education.
"Our staff is really knowledgeable when it comes to content. The subject that they teach but and in addition to that they also have a working knowledge when it comes to second language acquisition, " principal Christian Walter said.
The school provides resources for students and their families including a community kitchen and and laundry room.
"They have the dryers, washers, the stove. There is also the possibility for that community kitchen to be open throughout the weekend so families can go," Walter said.
A spokesperson for GCS said just over 100 students are enrolled. The school serves 3rd through 11th graders.
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