Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD

Remembering Former First Lady Barbara Bush

Former school board member, John Tepper, watches as former First Lady, Barbara Bush, signs autographs in the Barbara Bush Middle School Library.

CFBISD is remembering former First Lady, Barbara Bush. As her friends, family, and people across the nation grieve the loss of the former First Lady, her visit to CFB brings her loss closer to home. With a lifelong dedication to education and literacy, Mrs. Bush was an obvious choice for the naming of the district’s newest middle school in 1998. On Nov. 16, 1998, Mrs. Bush visited the campus, and spoke to students and staff. The first lady was treated to a tour of the campus named in her honor.

In recalling the visit, CFB employee, John Karstetter, stated, “she graciously shook hands with every child and adult to extended a hand to her. She toured the school with great enthusiasm. I remember her encouraging students that they could be whatever they wanted to be, but needed to ‘start now, to begin this incredible journey of life.'”

Former school board member, Lynn Chaffin, also remembers the visit fondly. She stated, “Mrs. Bush was such a lovely and engaging lady. She was warm and funny and so very easy to talk to. Her family stories made these very public people seem real and human and approachable which was very motivational for the students.”

View more photos from the opening of Barbara Bush Middle School in our Flickr Gallery.

Former School Board Member, Lynn Chaffin, shakes hands with Former First Lady, Barbara Bush, at Barbara Bush Middle School. November 16, 1998.