Authorities at a school in West Dallas have decided to rename the school after a former student and internationally recognized artist. What used to be the Sidney Lanier Expressive Arts Vanguard has now become the Jesus Moroles Expressive Arts Vanguard.
Moroles was killed tragically in a car accident in 2015 at the age of 64. He was a globally recognized sculptor who grew up in Dallas and attended Sidney Lanier Expressive Arts Vanguard. Now, the campus bears his name.
Dallas ISD and Moroles’ family marked the official renaming with a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I get chills. I don’t even know how to put it into words how significant this is,” said Andi Ramirez, Moroles’ cousin who initially submitted the artist’s name for consideration.
His sister, Suzanna Moroles, is also grateful for the honor. “The art he created, he created it for everyone. To feel, touch, be a part of,” she said. “He wanted to catch your spirit and catch your feelings.”
His family members expressed joy as the ribbon-cutting was conducted on what would have been Moroles’ birthday. “His passion for children. This would be so special for him,” his sister said.
Family members believe the recognition is fitting since the school grooms students from kindergarten through eighth grade in academics and the arts. “Having him demonstrate to them that we can do it, no matter how poor we are. If we want to, we can strive for it,” said family member Christina Maria Moroles.
Aside from the school renaming, Moroles’ family members say they are taking his legacy further through a non-profit foundation that supports the arts and educational endeavors of the school. They named the foundation Friends of Jesus Moroles.
