Manvel elementary named for surgeon Dr. ''Red" Duke

MANVEL, TX (KTRK) -- A Houston icon hopes to inspire the next generation of leaders at the elementary school named after him.

Alvin ISD held a dedication ceremony today for Doctor James "Red" Duke Elementary in Manvel.

Doctor Duke joined hundreds of others to celebrate the new campus. The trauma surgeon helped launch Life Flight in 1976 and bring a Level One Trauma Center to Houston.

"He's a true innovator. And that's one of the skills that we're looking for and we want to instill in our students. For them to be creative and be innovative, profound learners in their thinking," said Principal of James "Red" Duke Elementary Flavia Shaw.

Memorial Hermann Hospital says the school district approached it over the summer and asked about the name. The hospital's CEO says Doctor Duke doesn't seek out attention but is grateful for the honor.