The grand opening of the ISD schools in Dallas, devastated by the 2019 tornado, took place.

DALLAS – Saturday saw the grand opening of two Dallas schools devastated by tornadoes in 2019.

The schools, Thomas Jefferson High School and Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy, now have modern campuses for students and faculty.

“Because I think we can all agree that there’s no place like home,” said Dallas ISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie S. Elizalde.

Students return “home” after their neighborhood in northwest Dallas was devastated by a tornado in October 2019.

“I was heartbroken. I just couldn’t believe that the school was no more, I went to this school since preschool age, ”recalls eighth grade student Mia Gonzalez.

Gonzalez was in 5th grade when the tornado hit him. Her school, Walnut Hill Academy, was one of three schools that were destroyed.

“It was a big surprise,” said teacher Alma Pantia. “I was very grateful that it was Sunday and that no one was hurt.”

Teachers like Pantya and their students have been temporarily transferred to other schools. Now, more than three years later, Thomas Jefferson High School is celebrating its reopening. About 75% of the original 64-year-old building was destroyed.

CONNECTED: Dallas ISD Schools Devastated by 2019 Tornado Finally Reopening

“This school will be around for another 50, 60, 70, maybe 100 years,” said Joe Carreon, ISD Dallas District 8 trustee.

“We pray that this is a place of safe haven,” said Reverend Melissa Nelms of Walnut Hill Church.

Next door to the Thomas Jefferson School is the Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy, which combines Walnut Hill Elementary School and Cary High School. They were both losses after the tornado.

“The original Walnut Hill, about 90% of the building, was destroyed in the tornado,” said Walnut Hill International Academy director Dr. Philip Meeker.

Students believe that the new schools give them hope.

“This is what we all need if we’re going to get anywhere,” said one of the reopeners. “If you lose hope, you lose the life force that keeps life going.”

The project, funded by about $200 million in taxpayers, would not have been possible without the voters who passed the 2015 bond referendum.

“To ensure that our students have every opportunity to achieve the American Dream,” Carreon said.

“We saw the general public come to our rescue,” Pantea added.

There is now a new sense of excitement for the students, accompanied by a familiar feeling.

“It’s like home here,” Gonzalez said.

The school opened in January, but Saturday was an official holiday.

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