Trophies, photos and architecture hint of 100 years at Fort Worth’s Trimble Tech High School building.
Another sign the Fort Worth campus is filled with memories: Multiple generations of Trimble Tech graduates — whether the Class of 1959 or the upcoming Class of 2017 — show their pride when they talk about the school.
“Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog,” said Lester Crocker, who graduated from Trimble Tech, 1003 W. Cannon St., in 1959.
The Trimble Tech community is celebrating early as the building’s age approaches 100 years in 2017, gearing for a big bash Saturday that could draw 6,000 people. Organizers said alumni from as far away as Seattle and Boston might attend the “Century Celebration.”
I THINK THIS IS A WONDERFUL CELEBRATION THAT WE ARE GOING TO HAVE. … THIS WILL BE A SPECIAL YEAR, NOT ONLY FOR OUR CLASS, BUT FOR ALL THE CLASSES.Lester Crocker, Trimble Tech alum Class of 1959
Alumni, students and faculty are focused on showcasing Tech history.
“A hundred years— that’s a lot of history and a lot of stories,” said Saraisabel Perez, a 17-year-old senior.
The event will include a student-run school store to purchase century and Trimble Tech-themed items. There will also be a museum in the library’s computer lab.
A LOT OF THE ALUMNI HELP OUT WITH OUR FUNDRAISERS AND THEY HELP US OUT WITH SCHOLARSHIPS AND DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES. THEY ARE REALLY A GOOD BUNCH.Saraisabel Perez, a 17-year-old Trimble Tech High School senior
The campus, which offers 26 career and technology programs, has 1,766 students in grades nine through 12.
‘Some families just bleed green’
Construction of the original building began in 1917. It was designed by Bryce Building and built by Wyatt C. Hendrick Construction, according to “Eight Decades of School Construction: Historic Resources of the Fort Worth ISD 1892-1961,” a report prepared by the city of Fort Worth in September 2003.
Trimble Tech High School has housed two schools under four names — Central High School and then Paschal High School, followed by Technical High School and ultimately Trimble Tech.
The building was designed to meet the needs of a growing student population. It replaced the former Fort Worth High School on Jennings Avenue. The school has undergone additions and renovations through the years.
1,766The number of students currently at Trimble Tech High School
Principal Eudoxio Ramos said Trimble Tech is a “family tradition” for many students whose parents or grandparents attended the school.
“Some families just bleed green,” the school color, Ramos said.
Trimble Tech graduates said they want to honor the building’s history.
“I think it is pretty neat to be alive to do this,” Crocker said. He said the campus is the site of several class reunions every year.
Mark Thomas, Tech football coach and a celebration organizer, also has long-term ties to the campus. His parents attended the school in the early 1960s. One of his sons graduated from Trimble Tech in 2012.
“My childhood memories are running around the halls,” said Thomas, whose father was also a Trimble Tech coach.
Diane A. Smith: 817-390-7675, @dianeasmith1
CENTURY CELEBRATION AT TRIMBLE TECH HIGH SCHOOL
1003 W Cannon St, Fort Worth, TX 76104
10- 4 p.m. Oct. 22
- 11 a.m.: An all-alumni photo will be taken on the campus front steps.
- Noon: Class reunions will take place in different parts of the campus.
- 2 p.m.: Receptions will be held for former students who participated in men’s and women’s athletics, band, culinary, ROTC and cheer/dance.
- For more information contact the high school at 817-815-2500 or email Mark.thomas@fwisd.org