Dr. Portis has been a huge part of West Oso and Molina in general. Dr. Portis began his career at Oso in 1969. He has been a major influence in thousands of students lives he touched.   He taught band at West Oso from 1969-2002. The last two years he was Principal of Carl Allen Alternative School. Aside from teaching his students music, he taught them about the world, taking his Jazz Ensemble to several cities in Mexico and Europe; recording commercials and performing for dignitaries. You didn't need to be in band to be influenced by Dr. Portis. His presence encompassed the entire student body. The band competition awards won under his direction are too numerous to mention here. Several students became music directors themselves or stayed with playing music because of him. Dr. Portis was not only a band director but a fierce educator who was deeply concerned for all students. He was a community leader and activist serving on several boards, paving the way for people of color for generations to come. Dr. Portis is well deserving of this honor and it is long over due. His name on our alma mater's band hall would be a tribute not only to him, but to an era of West Oso Pride at a time where we, the minorities, sought role models like him to lead us into our futures. Dr. Portis is greatly missed by all alumni students. Honoring him by changing the name of the band hall would be a great way for his memory to continue at Oso. We ask the board to approve this change as it is the choice of the thousands of us who have signed this petition. For us, he is one of the Greatest Men that ever lived.