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West ISD receives $1 million donation from law firm

Posted at 7:58 PM, May 10, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-10 22:45:38-04

The West Independent School District was presented a $1 million check Wednesday night from San Antonio-based law firm, Gravely & Pearson.

David Truitt, superintendent of West ISD, said the money will go towards extracurricular activities at the district.

"We're actually on cloud nine. It's just another great step in our recovery efforts and but this one is all about the kids which I love the best," Truitt said. "This is about what they love about school, the extra curricular activities, which we excel at, and this is just going to further the work we are able to do in those areas."

The money will focus on fine arts, athletics, the agriculture program and career and technical education.

"Our kids work so hard, they're so deserving and we're going to be able to get them the best of the best," Truitt said.

Gravely & Pearson, the law firm who donated the money, represented West ISD in a lawsuit against their insurance carrier to cover damages caused by the West Fertilizer Plant Explosion in 2013. Attorney Matthew Pearson said after the lawsuit, he and his law partner wanted to give back.

"Extra curricular activities need the support. I think where you see school districts, West and around the state, that's a lot of places where the budget is being cut," Pearson said. "In my 24 years practicing law, I never had the opportunity to make a donation like this. So I feel fortunate, I feel blessed and I'm just glad to be here."

The district has not made any final decisions on specifically how it will spend the money.

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