Welcome to Bothwell Elementary!

Celina ISD’s fourth elementary school has been named Tommie Dobie Bothwell Elementary School. Bothwell was a teacher in Celina ISD for 35 years, teaching numerous generations, according to Jill Roza, a member of the naming committee. Over 60 names were submitted through a form for nomination, many of these were repeated names, but one surpassed the rest — Tommie Dobie Bothwell — according to district officials. In the past for naming schools, the committee would take two names to the board, but this time the committee took just one name. “We felt like this name was perfect for that location,” Roza said. Bothwell was raised on Dobie Farm, which is in the master-planned Cambridge Crossing community, in which the elementary school is located, according to Roza. Bothwell graduated from Celina High School and went on to graduate college. She taught first and second grade within the building that is now the CISD administration building. Bothwell then went on to complete her master's degree. “She just didn’t let anything stop her,” Roza said. Bothwell came from a strong line of women, according to Roza. When Bothwell was 18 months old, her father passed away and her mother had to run and pay off the farm. Bothwell later married and her husband passed away about five years later, making her a young widow. She then came back to Celina with her young daughter and taught first and second grade. She taught the initial first grade class in the building that is now the administration building. “It’s just always a great pleasure to be able to name these buildings after people that have made their mark on our community and on our ISD,” Roza said.