Amerie’s Legacy.

Amerie Jo Garza was a joyful, creative, and courageous child whose life, though brief, left a lasting mark on her family, friends, and community. Born on May 10, 2012, in Uvalde, Texas, Amerie grew up surrounded by love and was known for her sweet yet sassy personality. She had a gift for bringing laughter and light into any room she entered, and her presence was a source of comfort and happiness to those around her.

From an early age, Amerie showed a deep love for art and creativity. She enjoyed painting, crafts, and expressing herself through color and design. She dreamed of being an art teacher one day. Lavender was her favorite shade, and her artistic spirit often shone through in the projects she created for her family and friends. Music was another passion, and she adored the global pop group BTS.. Her favorite snack was Takis Waves, favorite food was Chick-Fil-A and her favorite drink, Vanilla frappe from Starbucks. Amerie was also a proud Girl Scout, eager to learn new skills and contribute to her troop. Her compassion extended beyond her hobbies—she was known to stand up for classmates who were bullied and to protect those who needed a friend.

Amerie’s courage became most evident on May 24, 2022, during the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School. In her final moments, she displayed extraordinary bravery by attempting to call 911 to protect her classmates. For this selfless act, she was posthumously awarded the Girl Scouts’ Bronze Cross, the organization’s highest honor for courage. Her actions that day revealed the depth of her character and the strength of her spirit, qualities that continue to inspire all who learn her story. The Bronze Cross is awarded for saving or attempting to save life at the risk of the Girl Scout’s own life.

Though her life was cut short, Amerie’s legacy endures. Murals and art installations in Uvalde celebrate her creativity, while the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas honor her memory with painting activities and gatherings that reflect her love of art. Exhibits at the National Museum of the American Latino commemorate her as a symbol of resilience and love, ensuring that her story reaches far beyond her hometown. Her family treasures her words and her art, including a Valentine’s Day note she once wrote to her mother that read, “I will always love you.” That love, expressed so simply and beautifully, continues to echo in the hearts of those who knew her.