Roswell community rallies to preserve Nancy Lopez Elementary School's name amid proposed change

The Roswell Independent Schools District (RISD) Board Meeting held on April 8, 2025, was marked by passionate discussions surrounding the potential renaming of Nancy Lopez Elementary School. The meeting began with a focus on the historical significance of Nancy Lopez, a celebrated golfer and role model, particularly for the Hispanic community in Roswell.

Several speakers expressed their strong opposition to the proposed name change. One board member highlighted Lopez's achievements, noting that she won the New Mexico women's state golf tournament at just 12 years old and played a pivotal role in establishing girls' golf in the state. The speaker emphasized that no other school in the district had undergone a name change, underscoring the unique legacy of Nancy Lopez.

Juan Robessa, a local resident, voiced his disappointment regarding the agenda item about the name change. He questioned the motivations behind the proposal and pointed out that Nancy Lopez Elementary is the only school named after an individual with such a significant impact on the community. Robessa urged the board to reconsider, suggesting that if a name change was necessary, it should not involve Nancy Lopez.

Another speaker, Jim Jennings, shared personal anecdotes about Lopez's influence on the sport of golf in Roswell, particularly for Hispanic youth. He praised her as a true American sports icon and expressed disbelief at the idea of renaming the school after her decades of contributions to the community.

The meeting concluded with a clear sentiment from the community members present: a strong desire to preserve the name of Nancy Lopez Elementary School, reflecting the pride and history associated with her legacy. The board did not make any immediate decisions regarding the name change during this meeting, leaving the future of the school's name uncertain. The discussions highlighted the importance of community identity and the role of historical figures in shaping local culture.