FFA Students Break Ground for Incoming T-U Ag Center

“Agriculture education has been a part of public education since 1917 and remains a fundamental and exciting career pathway for the students of today,” commented Derico. “At the Thomaston-Upson School System, agriculture education programs impact nearly 800 students each year, and approximately 300 students participating in the FFA student organization at Upson-Lee High School and Upson-Lee Middle School.”

Director of Operations Marc Ellington presented plans for the facility to the board of education earlier in the week. The 18,848-square-foot facility will include a climate-controlled show arena of 10,155 square feet with artificial turf, including a drainable backing, and a holding area of 8,693 square feet that can accommodate 75-80 animals. The facility also includes seating for 236 individuals, an area for 16 animals, which will be utilized by students who cannot house animals at their own homes, 50 paved parking spaces, concessions, an audio/visual control room, restrooms, dressing rooms, student project housing, and a storage/wash area.

ULHS FFA President Macey South commented, “I would like to begin by thanking the board of education, superintendent, and central office staff for granting us the opportunity for the agriculture center to be built here. Our FFA chapters are extremely grateful for the work that has already gone into making this dream a reality and the work that will continue to be done. Thank you for your investment in agriculture education in Upson County, as agriculture is the number one industry in Georgia that impacts us all. We will use this as a tool to bring growth to our FFA chapters, the agriculture industry, and the community as a whole. We hope the things done in this facility will make you proud.”

Local FFA and agriculture instructors Cali Kendrick and Josh Rabalais were recognized during the ceremony.

Kendrick, of Upson-Lee Middle School, told The Upson Beacon, “We are so excited. Think about the generations to come like my son, he can show pigs and to have a facility here is very exciting. We are very thankful to have support from the community, the board of education, and our administration.”

ULHS agriculture instructor Rabalais said, “[The facility] will give us an opportunity for more kids to be involved… It will also be a benefit for the [entire school system], for farm days and other educational events… [There is] an agriculture program at the primary school now, so this is another opportunity to expand ag education in our school… The beauty of it is that there is no facility like this south of Carrolton or north of Bainbridge, west of I-75.”