Band Student MaKenzie Lampshire was presented with a plaque on behalf of the Atlanta High School from Gary Van-Deaver for the outstanding finish at the State High School Band Competition. The team received a third-place finish on November 8, 2023.
Nancy Rinehart, Gary VanDeaver and Jason Harris give a tour of the new CTE building on March 20. Here they presented the new culinary arts kitchen.
Aaron Whitehead shows Rep. Gary VanDaver the new AVP studio. While in the building he also got a tour of the new high-tech health science lab.
VanDeaver visits Atlanta ISD
Rep. Gary VanDeaver was at the band hall on Wednesday, March 20, to congratulate the band on their third-place finish at state. While at the campus Van-Deaver toured the new CTE Building.
In a release posted on social media, Atlanta ISD announced, “Today was an incredible day at Atlanta High School as we welcomed Texas State Representative Gary VanDeaver! He presented a resolution to our outstanding band, congratulating them on their remarkable achievement of placing third at the UIL state marching band contest.”
Atlanta ISD finished 3rd in State in 2023. Cass County in general has had great success with its band programs. Along with its success in 2023, Atlanta finished fourth in 2021, and fifth in 2019. At the same time, Queen City finished third in 2021 and 2019. Linden continues to score well in UIL competitions.
“It’s always great to be able to go back to Austin with success stories because there are always those who want to say that public schools are not good, they are failing our students, and we need to defund public schools,” VanDeaver said. “You guys give me a reason to go back to Austin and say, “No, public schools are doing a great job. Let me tell you about Atlanta High School.’” The release goes on further to say “that Van-Deaver added that fine arts programs are among the first to get cut when schools lack funding.”
“We can’t allow that to happen in the state of Texas because you guys are a perfect example of the importance of continuing to fund fine arts and all the programs that are so valuable to our public schools today,” he said.
While on Campus VanDeaver visited the CTE building and new ball fields. Through the tour, he talked about school funding and the success of integrating secondary education into high schools.
VanDeaver is currently in a runoff with local business owner Chris Spencer for the House District 1 seat.