Pechanga members join officials in dedicating new school

School district officials were joined by other dignitaries for the dedication of Taawila Elementary School. Photos courtesy of MUSD

News release from Menifee Union School District:

A dedication celebration for Táawila Elementary School was held on Nov. 16.

The school opened this fall in Audie Murphy Ranch and takes its name from the Pechanga Native American term meaning "Sitting Down Place". Táawila is the actual ancient location of the village and sacred site that now sits near the Audie Murphy Ranch property. This location is where medicine men and women gathered, learned about, and used the healing plants located in and around the area. The ancient name Táawila has been documented in the national archives dating from as far back as the 1800’s.

During the ceremony, Pechanga Curator/Tech Megan Carey was joined by Menifee Valley Historical Association President Eleanor Martin and Treasurer Betty Bouris and Menifee City Councilman Matt Liesemeyer (left), who received the event program and a bundle of sage. Carey helped to catalogue over 50,000 Native American artifacts that were recovered during the excavation and preparation of the Táawila school site.

After the Táawila Cub Scout Troop led the assembly in the pledge of allegiance and Pastor Dave Dick offered a blessing for the school, Menifee Union School District Superintendent Dr. Steve Kennedy welcomed the distinguished guests. That included Pechanga Vice Chairperson Bridgett Barcel and David Spencer of the Pechanga Cultural Committee. He also offered a blessing for the opening of the school.

After Liesemeyer and Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez presented certificates of recognition for the dedication of Táawila, MUSD board member Jerry Bowman offered comments about the dedication of the school and expressed his deep appreciation for the help of the Pechanga Council while he served on the school naming committee.

Craig Gruber invited Tribal Council members to receive cub ears from the student body, as Táawila is “The Home of the Cubs.” The Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce invited the Pechanga Council members, elected officials, MUSD Superintendent and Governing Board members to join them as Táawila Principal Daphne Donoho cut the ceremonial ribbon officially dedicating the school.

The School Naming Committee Members included Liesemeyer, Bowman, HBE Teacher Gruber, Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Ambur Borth, Rotary Club member Linda Denver, businessman Scott Hammond, and MTA Union President/RES teacher Brenda Meyers.

Superintendent Steve Kennedy is joined by Pechanga officials during the Taawila School dedication.