The official dedication of Rudder High School was a family affair Friday.

General James Earl Rudder's children and other family members travelled from far and near to mark the opening of Bryan's second high school.

The $51 million facility bears the name of the former Texas A&M president who led his rangers during D-Day in World War II.

"I'm not sure what he'd think, really," said James Earl "Bud" Rudder Jr., the son of the general. "He would be proud because he worked hard, and he meant to do good things, and he would be pleased with being recognized."

Principal Hugh Piatt emphasized Gen. Rudder's ideals on Day 1 for his students, who will be known as the Rangers.

"Having the courage to take risks that no one else has done, and for them, translating that into setting goals and being successful," Piatt said. "It's really powerful, and the kids have bought into it."

Among the speakers at Friday's event was Congressman Chet Edwards, who was an Earl Rudder Award winner during his time at Texas A&M.

Edwards hoped the students would "remember the life story and values of Earl Rudder, his courage, his integrity, his lifetime commitment, not just on D-Day, but a lifetime of commitment to making the world a better place."

Only freshman and sophomores are attending Rudder this year, but in two years, there will be a full campus for four grades. The maximum capacity of the school is 1,600 students.

School has been in session for a couple weeks, but not only did Friday mark the official dedication, but also the opening game for the Rudder Rangers' football team.