Leroy Gerdes gives a celebratory speech after the new Dahlstrom Middle School Leroy Gerdes Fine Arts Wing is unveiled. During the dedication ceremony on Oct. 4, prominent figures, such as Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright and Hays CISD Performing Arts Center Auditorium Namesake Gerald Babbitt...

BUDA — The new fine arts wing at Dahlstrom Middle School (DMS) — which includes the school’s new band hall and music rooms — will be named after Leroy Gerdes. Gerdes, who taught and directed bands for 44 years, including 34 in Hays CISD, was the original band director for DMS in 1985 when the campus...