Jack Helfrich, a third grader at Fredericksburg Elementary School and a Junior Future Farmers of America member, takes a look at the new stalls at the Fredericksburg Independent School District’s Agricultural Science Center. Also looking in the background is Anabelle Cope, a Fredericksburg High School sophomore and FFA member. — Standard-Radio Post/Richard Zowie
Fredericksburg teachers, students and parents gathered Monday for the opening of the Fredericksburg Independent School District Agricultural Science Center.
The ag science center is at the corner of Friendship and Hollmig Lanes.
The event featured both an open house of the facilities and an official ribbon cutting by Kathy Durst, widow of longtime FISD trustee Jerry Durst.
“The grand opening was a great event with a tremendous turnout, especially considering the weather,” said Patrick Padgett, the Fredericksburg Future Farmers of America advisor. “It allowed the FISD students, administration and community to see what the facility contains and see the vision we hold for the future.”
Padgett sees the center as a facility that will allow kids to be successful, take advantage of opportunities they would usually not have without a facility like this.
“Ultimately, it will allow them to be a success during their high school years that will translate into a successful college and professional career,” he said.
The center contains 46 stalls, four wash racks, indoor show arena, feed room with
lockers, classroom and laboratory.
Padgett said the facility is designed to house sheep, goats and swine.
“Students will be able to house a maximum of two animals,” he said. “I anticipate a pretty equal distribution of these three species.”