Bruce Elementary School honored three members of the Memphis 13 with a special ceremony Monday.

On October 3, 1961, 13 boys and girls became the first African-American students to integrate Memphis City Schools.  55 years later, Dwania Kyles, Menelik Fombi and Harry Williams, who all attended Bruce Elementary, were recognized for their legacy, which is still felt in classrooms across Shelby County.

"We are all standing on the shoulders of giants," said principal Archie Moss. "I would not be here today if not for the legacy the Memphis 13 had on Memphis and Bruce [Elementary]."

During the program, students spoke about the importance of diverse classrooms; the school choir sang songs and there was dance performance dedicated to the Memphis 13.  Dwaina Kyles and Menelik Fombi also spoke to students about the changes in years since they attended Bruce Elementary.

"When I came here last Thursday, there is one thing that knocked me down: I felt love, said Mr. Fombi. "There is love in Bruce Elementary in 2016. In 1961... there was not a lot of love in the first grade."

U.S. Representative Steve Cohen closed the program as the honored speaker.

If you would like to watch the entire ceremony, click here.