Celestino Mauricio Soto Jr.
Celestino Mauricio Soto, Jr. was born in Dallas, Texas in 1953. While in high school,
Celestino excelled in the ROTC Military program. He was also a member of the swim
team and participated in the marching band. Celestino spent his summer vacations
working with children at the West Dallas Boys Club. He graduated from Crozier Tech
High School in 1970 and earned a degree from Mountain View College. After
graduation, Celestino enlisted in the United States Navy. He served aboard three US
Naval carriers: the USS America, USS Independence, and USS Eisenhower. Upon
leaving the Navy in 1980, he returned to Dallas and served four years in the Naval
Reserves followed by 12 years of service in the Army National Guard. Celestino and
his wife Patsy married young and had eight children, three of whom are autistic.
This influenced Celestino to learn about the effects of autism and he became involved
in the lives of many disabled and mentally ill children. He also became a faithful volunteer
in Dallas ISD programs and other organizations that help children, including the Special
Olympics. Celestino Mauricio Soto Jr. died in July of 2002.
Location and Scenery
Special Features
Celestino Mauricio Soto Jr. Elementary School is a two-story
building that uses natural light throughout the public
spaces to give students, staff, and visitors a welcome feeling.
The two-toned brick facade and geometric patterns create
a shadow effect, giving a distinctive look and personality
to the building. The north elevation of the building features
large brick arches that address the traffic coming from
Jefferson Boulevard. The building has three entrances: the
front door, the west classroom door, and the cafeteria door,
which provide the neighborhood easy access for after hours
use.
The building is about 90,000 square feet and includes 33
core classrooms plus a music room, art room, science lab,
computer lab, auditorium, and two conference rooms.
Two large workrooms give teachers and school volunteers
a place to prepare materials for classroom instruction and
special projects.
The gymnasium and cafeteria are separated from classroom
areas so students and visitors can gather and meet at
the school without disturbing classroom instruction. The library,
located on the second floor, also is isolated from noise.
Soto Elementary also has a playground, a baseball field,
and soccer fields that allow students and neighborhood
children many opportunities for structured physical activity
and play.
