Escola Estadual Doutor João Firmino Correia Araújo

Can you imagine a school named after a man who helped bring electricity to an entire region? Right here, in front of the Escola Estadual Doutor João Firmino Correia Araújo, that’s exactly what happened. This school, a cornerstone of the Jardim Lavínia neighborhood in São Bernardo do Campo, has a history as electrifying as its namesake. The Escola Estadual Doutor João Firmino Correia Araújo began rather humbly in 1960. It started as a small, isolated collection of seven wooden classrooms on Rua Quatro. It wasn’t until 1968, with the neighborhood growing, that it moved to its current location, a former football field on an unnamed street. The school expanded to twelve wooden classrooms and even included a pre-school with a garden and recreation area. The pre-school eventually made way for more classrooms as the school evolved. The land for the permanent school building was donated thanks to Antônio Rodrigues Filho, known as Célio. The director at the time, Saula, sent staff members Ilda Luiza Barbe Moreira and Maria Laura Vasconcelos door-to-door to enroll students. In 1972, the new brick school building was inaugurated. It was named in honor of Dr. João Firmino Correia de Araújo, solidifying his legacy within the community. Dr. Araújo, originally from Recife, had a distinguished career in public service and later in business. He owned a nearby property, Chácara Três Lagos, and played a key role in bringing electricity to the area in 1945. Locals contributed funds, and Dr. Araújo covered the remaining costs to extend the power lines from the Via Anchieta to his property. This act of generosity not only lit up homes but also paved the way for progress, including the paving of the street, which was then named Maria Azevedo Florence. The Escola Estadual Doutor João Firmino Correia Araújo continued to grow. It celebrated its first graduating class in 1975. In 1976, it officially became the Escola Estadual de Primeiro Grau “Dr. João Firmino Correia de Araújo”. It even served as a polling station in 1982, a significant moment after the military regime. Over the years, the school expanded its offerings to include both primary and secondary education. Interestingly, this school has played a role in Brazilian national politics. Former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva consistently voted here, bringing national attention to this local institution. Even today, the school holds a special place in the hearts of locals, a testament to the legacy of Dr. João Firmino Correia de Araújo.