District dedicates Perry High School gym as Dan Marburger Court

Those walking into the Perry High School gym will now know it as the Dan Marburger Court.

The gym was officially dedicated to the late Dan Marburger during a ceremony on Friday night between the girls and boys basketball games with his family standing at center court.

A 17-year-old Perry High School student on Jan. 4 shot and killed 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff and wounded seven other people, including Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger before taking his own life. Marburger — who police say tried to intervene to protect students — died 10 days later.

He served in the Perry district for nearly 30 years, first as an associate principal in 1995 and then as principal beginning in 1997. The Perry School Board approved a resolution to rename the gym as Dan Marburger Court in May.

A resolution read during Friday night’s dedication ceremony noted numerous academic and activity achievements were attained under Marburger’s direction.

The proclamation applauded “the emphasis placed by Mr. Marburger on citizenship, leadership, scholarship, service, teamwork, and personal positive growth and development among the students under his guidance and direction.”

Marburger’s dedication to students and his emphasis on character was also recognized by the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University during Friday’s ceremony.

Marburger was one of 12 individuals and groups recognized for their exceptional character during a ceremony in August. Iowans are annually recognized by the Ray Center for showing the six pillars of character, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and good citizenship.

Marburger received the 2024 Character Champion Award. Emily Brown, director of events at the Ray Center, presented Marburger’s family with the Character Champion Award on Friday.

“Principal Dan Marburger believed all students deserved access to high-quality education and he supported each student who walked the halls of Perry High School,” Brown said. “We are grateful for Dan’s leadership and his impact that will continue for generations and we’re proud to honor him as a true Character Champion.”

More: ‘We heal together’: Perry community gathers on first anniversary of Iowa school shooting

Perry and Grand View Christian fans on both sides of the court stood up and applauded loudly as Marburger was recognized by the Ray Center and again as the gym was officially renamed as the Dan Marburger Court.

A plaque honoring Marburger has also been placed in the northwest corner of the gym and his signature can be seen on both ends of the court.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Perry High School gym renamed Dan Marburger Court for late principal

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