Brownwood ISD held a dedication ceremony Saturday to name a new facility in honor of longtime ag teacher Gerald Thomas.  The ceremony was held in the district’s newly constructed sheep and goat barn and Mr. Thomas and his family were in attendance along with friends, former co-workers, and former students.

The new facility, which has yet to be built, will be named the Gerald Thomas Pavilion and will be a multi-purpose exhibit barn and learning center.  BISD Superintendent Dr. Reece Blincoe said that the new facility will have new concession stands, restrooms, a classroom, and exhibit area for livestock shows.

Although the concept art unveiled at the ceremony called the new facility an agricultural science lab, Blincoe said that the school board decided to name it the Gerald Thomas Pavilion to reflect the facility’s multi-purpose use.   One of these uses will be a local livestock show that many have expressed interest in.

“We need to get back to having a local livestock show,” said Blincoe

Blincoe said the goal will be to begin construction on the new facility sometime in the summer and have enough of it constructed by December 2011 to hold a local show.

“We may not have the facility totally finished by then, but we will get as much done as we can,” Blincoe said.

Gerald Thomas is a well-known and well-loved former ag teacher at Brownwood.  Several of those in attendance took time to speak during the ceremony and thank Mr. Thomas for the influence on their lives including local contractor Paul Waldrop who will be helping with construction of the facility.

The Gerald Thomas Pavilion will be the third new facility constructed in the Brownwood ISD Agriculture Science Center located on Stephen F. Austin.  The district recently constructed a new hog barn and the new sheep and goat barn in the area.

Top Photo:  Dr. Reece Blincoe (left) shakes hands with Gerald Thomas (right) after the ceremony.

See photos and video of the ceremony below.

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