United Independent School District recently opened Gia’s Legacy Library at Rio Bravo City Hall to honor the memory of Gia Sanchez, a student from Juarez-Lincoln Elementary who passed away in October 2024. What used to be an office space was transformed into a cozy library for the community. With the help of her loved ones, classmates, and community members such as Mayor Amanda Perez Aguero, they were able to create a space that reflected her personality and interests.
Her classmates played a big part in bringing the library to life. From setting up the books to suggesting ideas for the mural. They wanted the library to have comfortable seating, plenty of purple accents, and small details that showed who Gia was as a person, student, and friend. As the project came together, it became a way for her classmates to cope with the loss. Donations from UISD and people in the community made everything possible. The library has grown into a comforting space where students can feel supported, spend time together, and remember someone who meant a lot to them.
Source: UISD Facebook, Laredo Morning Times
Blog by: Nichole Martinez, Intern, UTSA