BEAUMONT, Texas — For one Southeast Texas educator, the tragedy in Uvalde hits especially close to his heart.
Dr. Bobby Lopez the CEO of Bob Hope Charter Schools attended Robb Elementary and called Uvalde home for 19 years.
His heart is broken as both an educator and also someone who lived there.
Lopez said he cannot believe the violence that unfolded in his hometown.
"Back then we never had anything to worry about,” said Lopez.
He remembers growing up in a quiet, tight-knit community, where everyone knew their neighbors.
“As a family, it was very enjoyable, a small community,” he said. “Slightly smaller than Nederland, a very inviting place to live, for the most part, everyone knows everyone.”
Southeast Texas educator, Uvalde native reflects on childhood memories following Robb Elementary mass shooting
So, when the news broke of a tragic mass shooting at Robb Elementary, Lopez's thoughts went right to the innocent students, staff, but also, his sister who still lives in Uvalde near the elementary school.
“She was just scared, seeing the helicopters and so many police going through there, her community, her neighborhood. And she even told me as I call her 'I’m locked in my house. I'm just waiting to hear more news.' So very scary,” Lopez said.
Lopez is also an educator. He worked at Bob Hope Charter Schools for the last 13 years. And when he looks at the innocent faces of the Uvalde victims he's reminded of his students.
“I tutor third graders for STAAR, and for three months weekly tutoring them for STAAR, and they are the same age of the kids who got shot yesterday and it's nonsense, ridiculous, that took place,” Lopez said.
Two weeks ago, Lopez was in Uvalde for his 45th high school reunion. He stopped by Robb Elementary, but tall fences prevented him from stepping foot on campus.
“I said to myself this can't be the same Robb it had a six-foot fence all the way around and I just couldn't believe when I heard,” Lopez said.
A senseless act of violence Dr. Lopez still is trying to understand.
“These kids are great and have a future ahead of them, for someone to come by and take it away is senseless,” Lopez said.
Lopez shared his deepest condolences with his community of Uvalde. Below are resources available for others to donate.
