Thousands of Central Texas kids started class Monday, and a Leander ISD high school opens its doors for the first time.
Vandegrift High School is named after a former Leander ISD student who died while serving in Iraq. It is located on McNeil Drive near RM 2222 and 620.
The school set up a hallway display case in honor of Lt. Matthew Ryan Vandegrift. It showcases his photos, Marine uniforms, and medals. A crest bearing Vandegrift’s military insignia was also designed into the walkway.
"The five stars, represent Vandergrift being the fifth high school in Leander, and he was part of the 5th battalion so it is something that we saw a lot of significance in,” said Vandegrift Principal Charlie Little.
Vandegrift graduated with honors from Texas A&M. He died while serving in the Iraq War in 2008.
Vandegrift High School campus cost $90 million to build. The facility is 300,000 square feet. Nearly 1,000 students are enrolled including freshman, sophomores, and juniors. Next year seniors will be added to the school.
Vandegrift is Leander ISD’s fifth high school.
