Breaking New Ground: Ag Science Center Revitalization under the 2022 Bond Program
Tworecent groundbreaking celebrationsunder SBISD’s2022 Bond Programhave ushered inthe start of a new era ofCareer and Technical Education (CTE)for students and families. The celebrations began on Wed., April 24,with theGuthrie Center's groundbreakingceremony, followed by the groundbreaking ceremony for theAgricultural Science Center, lovingly known as the “Ag Farm,”on May 1.
TheAg Farm eventcommenced withthe presentation of colorsby theSBISDNJROTC Color Guard, led by Commander Bill Breland, followed bythePledge of Allegiance led by Future Farmers of America (FFA) student reporterAngela Sangronis Perez. Dr. Jennifer Blaine extended a warm welcome to guests,reflecting on the time and engagement of our community since 2017 to reach this important milestone.
Event speakers each shared their unique perspective on this momentous occasion,includingSBISD Board of Trusteesmember John Perez;Spring Branch FFA President and Stratford High School senior Olivia Nugent; and parent,FFA Alumni Associationsupporter and CTE Business Advisory Committee memberEd Valicek. Guthrie Center principal Joe Kolenda and assistant principal Jane Primrose also brought words of inspiration.
Board member Perez highlighted the profound influence of the FFA program on his family's journey. The essence of the FFA motto, "Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve," resonates throughout the program, shaping its members and leaving a lasting impact on individuals and the larger community—an experience Perez himself echoed.
"My family's journey began with FFA when my daughter came home and asked to raise chickens," said Perez. This experience not only grounded his family in the community but also underscored the significance of investments beyond mere facilities.
For Perez and countless others involved in FFA and the Agricultural Science program in SBISD, it's about more than just constructing a facility—it's about cultivating a nurturing environment where students and families can thrive.
These sentiments were echoed by Olivia Nugent, who has been an active member of FFA for the past eight years. She spotlighted the many ways she has been shaped by her experiences, from the friendships she has made, to the leadership development the program has fostered. She spoke with pride and gratitude about how much the program has grown over her years of engagement and how much she appreciates the community’s support.
"The passage of the bond is a watershed moment," said Nugent. "We've witnessed exponential growth, with our membership surpassing 115 and continuing to climb. This expansion couldn't have come at a better time."
Ed Valicek continued the accolades about the impact of FFA and the learning that occurs at the Ag Farm. He emphasized the importance of parents and the commitment of students to caring for their animals daily, rain or shine, beginning at 6:30 a.m. and continuing nightly and on weekends and holidays. Mr. Valicek noted the statewide recognition of SBISD’s FFA program excellence, stating, “I was at Texas A&M today. They know us. They know our students.”
Principal Kolenda, too, emphasized the caliber of instruction, the dedication of the instructors, and the longstanding commitment of our community. “Over the years, I’ve met many solid, strong adult leaders in CTE, ISD's and state legislators who have high school FFA in common. The planning, persistence, work ethic and follow-through they learn in FFA shape them into the strong leaders they become.SBISD's investment in our facilities is important to our program,” said Kolenda. He also noted that the current arena was built in 2002 under SBISD’s 1997 Bond.
In her remarks, Jane Primrose shared her personal journey, emphasizing the transformative impact of agricultural education and FFA on her life and her daughter's. She thanked the students for their dedication and the district for its unwavering support. She also commended the Ag Scienceeducators for their commitment andthanked SBISD community membersfor their belief in the program's potential to shape future generations.
"Now our fantastic taxpayers are allowing you a world-class facility to match the world-class experiences you give students. Thank you for creating a program that I hear about all over Texas and being the brainpower that keeps it all going and organized," said Primrose.
Principal Kolenda and Assistant Principal Primrose then unveiled the rendering of the Ag Science Centerupgrades and expansion, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the community and staff. Stantec architects collaborated closely with the district’s CTE department and a Project Advisory Team to steer the project development process. Construction Manager at Risk, Marshal Construction, will bring the vision to fruition.
“We are excited about the opportunities that this renovation and expansion project brings to the students in Spring Branch ISD,” said Agriculture Science Instructor and FFA Advisor Michael McManners. “This program has a long history in our school district, dating back to the 1940’s. This investment not only continues the legacy but provides an environment for advanced educational experiences for future generations. This facility will be one of the top in the state and we thank the community for it.”
With renovations now getting underway and plans for new facilities such as the Instructional Classroom Building, Agricultural Mechanical Shop and Greenhouse poised to begin construction, the district's dedication to providing cutting-edge Career and Technical Education is unmistakable.
As the district looks ahead, it eagerly anticipates the countless success stories that will emerge from these programs, enriching the lives of students and their families for years to come.
- For more information about the 2022 Bond Program, click here.
- View event photo gallery here.
