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PERRY, Iowa — The Perry community is continuing to heal after the deadly school shooting earlier this year.

The tragedy claimed the lives of sixth-grade student, Ahmir Joliff and longtime principal, Dan Marburger.

Back in May, the school board voted to rename the high school’s gym after Marburger.

The school’s gym is now named Dan Marburger Court, people can find the former principal’s name on both ends of the basketball court.

“This was definitely his handwriting, and then of course we put the Dan Marburger court,” Superintendent Clark Wicks said. “What that reminds me of is all the times he spent here in this gym.”

Marburger was not only a principal, he was also a basketball coach. He coached many students throughout his time at Perry.

“It was always a privilege to work with Dan,” Wicks said. “To see the pride that he had, and now to see the court named after him.”

Those who worked alongside him for many years share what this dedication means to them.

“It was emotional honestly the first time I saw it. I think it’ll be that way for quite a few people in town.” Perry Middle School Principal, Ned Menke said.

Marburger was more than just a colleague to him, he was also his mentor.

“A personal memory of mine, when I was hired as a head basketball coach; Dan was a big reason as to why I had an opportunity. And had the chance to learn from him, ask him questions about basketball. We both were sports guys,” Menke said. “We’d talk basketball, talk football, talk baseball, really anything that was going on. A lot of those conversations happened right here in this gym.”

Those who worked alongside Marburger knew graduation day was important to him.

“This is where we hold graduation so we will be able to kind of have him here with us,” Perry High School counselor, Tami Valine said. “Just seeing his signature right there as we march our graduates in each year. ”

Wicks plans on holding a dedication sometime throughout the school year.