School named for ex-NBA star, not Reno

MIAMI, June 17 (UPI) -- Ex-NBA star Alonzo Mourning and his wife beat out former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno in a dispute over naming of a new North Miami high school.

The Miami-Dade School Board gave final approval Wednesday to naming the school after Mourning and his wife, Tracy, The Miami Herald reported.

The board settled on the Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High Biscayne Bay Campus, the Herald reported.

Alonzo Mourning had been a star for the Miami Heat. But those who wanted the school named for the Mournings pointed to the couple's charity work and mentoring and called them role models.

"They are very deserving of the honor," said board member Martin Karp.

Reno, a Kendall, Fla., resident who had served as Miami-Dade state attorney before becoming the first female attorney general, drew support from many community leaders.

''She is defined as a leader and a role model,'' North Miami resident Daisy Black said.

The North Miami City Commission had urged the school board to choose Reno's name.

But on Wednesday, board Chairman Solomon Stinson said no municipality should tell the board how to vote, the Herald reported.