Bush assists Bynum School

MIDLAND Former first lady Laura Bush was greeted by a chorus of Bynum School students, serenading her with "Happy Birthday" on video, shortly before she took the podium at the Midland Center Tuesday evening.

"That was the sweetest version I ever heard," said the smiling Midland native, who turns 63 Wednesday.

Bush then went over some of the goings on with her family since her husband left office in January. Wearing an emerald green dress with a floral brooch, she talked about her father-in-law, former President George H.W. Bush’s recent skydive in Maine to celebrate his 85^{th birthday.} 

"It happens that the largest space to jump into in Kennebunkport was a churchyard," Laura Bush said. "My mother-in-law, Barbara Bush, said that was convenient because if anything happens we can just wheel him in for the service."

Her husband, former President George W. Bush, plans to begin public fundraising for his presidential library on the campus of Southern Methodist University, her alma mater, next week, Laura Bush said.

"Don’t worry, you’ll be getting a letter," she told the audience of more than 500. 

But most of the former first lady’s remarks were aimed at praising Bynum School, which family friend and former U.S. Commerce Secretary Don Evans helped start in January 1984 because of the condition of his daughter, Jenny.

"They help build the confidence and self esteem in their students that’s necessary for greater learning," Laura Bush said while her speech was shown on three large video screens.

The school serves special needs students with personalized educational, behavioral and vocational programs. It assists them in learning to shop, cook and perform other activities.

Laura Bush went over several of the success stories the school has had, including one girl who is now able to work for a store that sells bridal gowns and evening wear, and a boy who went from throwing "temper tantrums" to becoming one of the school’s "star students."

"Each of the 34 students has their own success story," she said. "And with support of people like you, there will be many, many years to come."

Also at its 25th anniversary celebration, Bynum School announced it will be adding 15 acres next door to its current Midland campus, which will be used for an expanded vocational department, and, eventually, a residential campus.

The progress the school has made was exciting for Bynum board member Cindi Mladenka, whose daughter was a student at Bynum when it had only four students. Jennifer Mladenka died at 16 in 1998.

"Where we are today is exactly what I would have hoped for back then," she said. "I’m thrilled to who they’ve become from that little classroom 25 years ago."

Getting Laura Bush to speak was a coup for the school, Mladenka said.

"I was ecstatic," she said. "She is a delightful and graceful woman. She’s here supporting West Texas and our kids."