Lincoln – Two new high schools in Lincoln are about to be named. The school board historically has named high schools with directional designations, but one of the new schools, southeast of the city, cannot be named Lincoln Southeast because the name is already taken.
This raises the possibility that the high schools might be named for people, as are Lincoln's elementary and junior high schools, or for nearby place-names, like Lincoln Saltillo and Lincoln Emerald.
State symbols might work: Lincoln Bluestem; Lincoln Goldenrod.
If people are in the running, this would be a good time to consider Lincoln notables who deserve more recognition, if not now, then for other naming opportunities coming along.
Possibilities: Lawrence Bruner; Frank Eager; Frederic Clements; Edith Schwartz Clements; Elizabeth Dolan; Erwin Barbour; Paul Johnsgard. Others to consider: Rachel Lloyd, Mary Louise Fossler, Ruth Bryan Owen.
If these names are unfamiliar, that's the point. These Lincolnites of remarkable accomplishment are worthy of more recognition than they have been given.
You can look them up, as the saying goes.
The more research, the better. With names, there's always the chance of selecting someone unworthy and being stuck with the decision. Previously, I have wondered about the wisdom in naming Arnold School (and Arnold Heights) after a general who was never in Lincoln and whose theory of strategic civilian bombing is now largely condemned by military historians. A good replacement name for Arnold would be that of the estimable botanist John E. Weaver, who knew the natural history of that part of Lincoln like no other person.
Perhaps the school board will decide on Lincoln West and Lincoln South. Could be worse. Please, no Air Park High; the NW 48th corridor westward should create its own identity from its rich history and resources.
