A grand opening ceremony was held Saturday for the new Agricultural Sciences Building at Tate High School, a facility made possible by funds from a half-cent sales tax.
“The ribbon cutting may not happen until today, but they have already enjoyed the building for 10 days, and there are many more days to come,” said Keith Leonard, superintendent of Escambia County Public Schools, calling the building a testament to the community’s commitment to the future of agricultural education.
Founded in 1917, the JM Tate Agricultural School has a long tradition of promoting excellent agricultural education. “Our program has evolved over the years,” said Principal Laura Touchstone, noting the school’s numerous state and national awards.
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The Agricultural Sciences Building is packed with technology, from large screens and sound systems to precision lasers and hydroponics. It features a woodworking and welding shop, a veterinary classroom and other teaching spaces.
There are currently about 1,088 Tate students enrolled in the agricultural science program, which is led by six dedicated teachers, four of whom are Tate graduates. “Our FFA chapter is recognized as a national three-star gold chapter, which puts us in the top 1% of chapters nationwide,” Touchstone said, noting that Tate’s FFA chapter is one of the largest in Florida.
“We are recognized as a national Three Star Gold Chapter, placing us in the top 1% of chapters nationwide for our work in developing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture here in Florida,” she said.
“Agriculture is more than just a cornerstone of our school, it remains the very identity of JM Tate High School,” said Touchstone. “As we celebrate this new building, we remember that it is not just a facility, but a place where our students learn, grow, and carry on the traditions that have distinguished Tate for more than a century.”
Photos from NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
