Garland, TX – The Garland Independent School District (GISD) celebrated a significant milestone this morning as the Natatorium was officially renamed the Larry H. Glick Natatorium. The ceremony honored Glick’s nearly two decades of dedicated service as a school board trustee and his unwavering commitment to public education. Glick is the first Rowlett resident to have a Garland ISD building named after them within the City of Garland.
The ceremony began with GISD Director of Communications & Public Relations, Jason Wheeler, welcoming attendees and expressing gratitude for the beautiful day. “Today, we are not just renaming the building; we are also honoring its legacy,” Wheeler stated. “The Garland ISD Natatorium stands as a symbol of opportunity, community, and student growth.”
The facility, which serves over 14,000 second graders each year in water safety and swimming lessons, has become a hub for student athletes from all seven high schools and a nationally recognized site for collegiate and championship events. Wheeler highlighted Glick’s contributions, saying, “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.”
GISD Superintendent Dr. Ricardo Lopez shared about the Natatorium’s role in water safety education. “Trustee Glick has been a steadfast advocate for public education and Garland ISD, playing a vital role in shaping district policy, promoting student success, and ensuring a safe, supportive learning environment for all,” Lopez shared. He highlighted Glick’s impactful leadership, stating, “He has championed initiatives that benefit both academic and extracurricular activities.”
Johnny Beach, President of the GISD Board of Trustees, also spoke at the ceremony. “It’s fitting that we rename this space in his honor,” Beach said. “This natatorium is a place for students to test their limits, pursue excellence, and support one another—values that Larry Glick embodies.”
Glick expressed his gratitude during his speech, thanking his family and reflecting on his journey with GISD. He shared, “When I got on this board, part of our mission was to teach water safety. And right now, we have one of the best water safety programs in the country.” He described the profound impact of water safety education on his life, recounting a time when he was caught in a rip current. “I remembered what that instructor told us,” he recalled, explaining that the lesson advised swimming parallel to the shore if caught in a current. Glick described how he followed this guidance, which ultimately led to his survival, stating, “I made a promise to myself that if we ever built a facility like this, it would be for teaching water safety.”
The event concluded with the unveiling of a plaque that will be permanently displayed inside the Natatorium, commemorating Glick’s legacy. Dr. Lopez read the official proclamation dedicating the facility to Glick. Wheeler concluded, “Through Larry Glick’s dedicated service, he has made an impact on the lives of our students and the strength of our community. The Larry H. Glick Natatorium will stand as a reminder of what is possible when heart, service, and belief in public education come together.”
