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Brooks, DeBartolo Dedicate School They Founded

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MICHELE SAGER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 20, 2008

NORTH TAMPA - Students, staff, parents and community members celebrated the near completion of the first school year at Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High with a dedication ceremony Tuesday.

The event started with a ribbon cutting and members of the audience entering the school together through the front doors of the building.

School founders Derrick Brooks and Eddie DeBartolo spoke about what the journey to dedication day has meant to them.

"When this began, I was just a voice, in front of lot of people, explaining my dream," Brooks said. "I'm sure a lot of people asked if I can pull this off. Am I crazy?"

Brooks said that with the help of many people, his dream of creating a school became a reality.

"I couldn't have done this without all you," he said. "God knows I'm just a football player."

DeBartolo told the audience he disagreed with the Buccaneers' linebacker.

"Don't let him fool you: He is very much more than a football player," said DeBartolo, a businessman and former owner of the San Francisco 49ers. "He has poured his time, sweat and heart into this school."

Students filled the evening with music from the school band and the debut of the school's alma mater. They also gave tours of the building, pointing out the recent final touches.

Parent Maureen Butler summed up why people love the school.

"It's about challenge, preparation and environment," she said. "There is an expectation that these students will go to college and they provide the environment to get them there. I have to thank [the founders] for getting our children here. This school will serve children for years to come."

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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