Beloved long-time resident and devoted community activist, the late Ethel F. Beckford, a lobbyist for community schools and educational reform, left her mark on both Richmond Elementary and the West Perrine community.

In honor of her tireless effort and spirit-filled determination, the administration, staff and students of Richmond Elementary along with family and friends of Mrs. Beckford, invite the community to join in the rededication and renaming ceremony for the school located at 16929 SW 104 Ave. The event is scheduled for Friday, June 2, at 9 a.m.

The school will be known as Ethel F. Beckford/Richmond Elementary Community School.

The renaming and rededication ceremony, which will include a "ribbon cutting," will mark the first of its kind in the area. The ceremony will highlight tributes and memories of what Mrs. Beckford stood for and the role she played at Richmond Elementary.

Her motto was "If it is to be...it is up to me."

Mrs. Beckford not only raised nine children, but she also raise the consciousness and standard of learning for thousands of children. She was loved and respected by many and will be remembered by all the lives she touched.

A native Miamian, Mrs. Beckford served her family, community and church, as well as the Miami-Dade County School District. For more than 40 years, she lobbied for education reform with a focus on community schools. She was the driving force behind the successful change in boundary of Richmond Elementary Community School from Region VI to Region V which added the school to Palmetto High feeder pattern.

All of Mrs. Beckford's children are alumni of Richmond Elementary.