District dedicates Perry High School gym in honor of principal killed in school shooting

The late Dan Marburger is getting the royal treatment at Perry High School.

The Bluejays' gym will soon don the former basketball coach's name and be known as Dan Marburger Court. The decision was made during Monday's school board meeting.

A 17-year-old Perry High School student on Jan. 4 shot and killed 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff and wounded seven other people, including Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger before taking his own life. Marburger — who police say tried to intervene to protect students — died 10 days later.

He served in the Perry district for nearly 30 years, first as an associate principal in 1995 and then as principal beginning in 1997.

“This is a special time for the district as we honor Mr. Marburger,” Superintendent Clark Wicks said.

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School worked with family to honor late principal

Wicks said the district spoke with the Marburger family for ways to honor Dan Marburger.

“He’s meant a lot to all of us,” Wicks said.

Tom Lipovac, Perry’s former activities director, suggested renaming the court.

Wicks read a resolution outlining the district's commitment to Dan Marburger Court before being approved Monday night.

Elizabeth Marburger thanked the district for honoring her husband. She said the high school building meant the world from the moment it opened in 2002.

“There’s just been so many fond memories in this building that outweigh one horrible memory,” she said.

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Commencement will be held in gym

Elizabeth Marburger noted that Dan cherished the court not only for its role in athletics but also as a stage for academic achievements. The gym will once again host the Perry High School commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 26.

"There was no bigger day in Dan’s life than commencement services at Perry High School,” Elizabeth Marburger said. “He loved that day and what it meant for the kids and their families.”

Wicks said the district will start working on a court design with a goal of finishing this summer.

“Thank you for coming up with such a special way (to honor Dan),” Elizabeth Marburger said. “(I) can’t wait to see his name on the court.”

More: "The kids are still in our thoughts and prayers." ISU fraternity donates $4K to Perry High students

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: District renames Perry High School gym in honor of late Dan Marburger