Former Georgia first lady, an advocate for childhood literacy, has school named in her honor

She died in 2022, but her name and legacy will live on in the young students of Gainesville in northeast Georgia.

Community members cut the ribbon to the S andra Dunagan Deal Elementary School on Monday. Deal served as first lady of Georgia from 2011 to 2019 alongside her husband, former Gov. Nathan Deal. Hall County School District said on Facebook that it was a moving moment featuring the former governor, speeches from students, and the unveiling of a portrait of the first lady.

"Mrs. Deal’s advocacy for childhood literacy, her servant’s heart, and her compassion for all, is a legacy that will live on in the halls of the new school and in the hearts of the students and families of the community," the school district wrote.

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Deal grew up in the area and graduated from East Hall High School. She went on to become a local teacher, too. During and after her time as first lady, Deal visited schools across the state reading to children. By 2018, she had visited 1,000 schools .

The school opened its doors for the first time near the start of the month. It is the new home of the formerly closed Riverbend and White Sulphur Elementary Schools. The new school's colors of green and gold are a combo of the old schools. The mascot is a tiger symbolizing their strong belief in teamwork, deep respect for one another, and pride for their school and community, according to Deal Elementary's website .

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Former Georgia first lady, an advocate for childhood literacy, has school named in her honor