Navarro Independent School District

Geronimo, TX – January 21, 2026 - Navarro Independent School District (NISD) marked a historic milestone on January 12, 2026, with the official dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Navarro High School. The event brought together students, alumni, community leaders, and local dignitaries to celebrate a facility that serves as a monument to the district’s rapid growth and its unwavering commitment to future generations.

The evening commenced on the grand Navarro Commons staircase with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Director of Communications Chelsea Ormond opened the proceedings by reflecting on the four-year journey that led to this moment, beginning with the 2021 Long Range Planning Committee and the subsequent bond package passed by voters in November 2021. The ceremony highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Board of Trustees, Bartoskewitz Farm Foundation, Claycomb Architects, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, and AGCM in bringing the state-of-the-art campus to life.

Following the ribbon cutting, the celebration moved into the new Auditorium, where the Navarro High School Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Jason Adam, performed the "Dedication Fanfare." Principal Clay Scarborough welcomed the assembly, noting that while the physical space is new, the foundation of excellence is rooted in the long-standing traditions of the Panther community. He recognized the presence of the Bartoskewitz Farm Foundation, city and county officials, and past trustees whose leadership ensured the project’s success.

A focal point of the ceremony was the recognition of Mr. Wilfred Bartoskewitz, a 1956 Navarro graduate and 5th-generation farmer. Superintendent Dr. Mandy Epley delivered a moving tribute to the Mr. Bartoskewitz and the Farm Foundation for its extraordinary donation of 30 acres of land, which now houses the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) wing. Dr. Epley remarked that the donation is a tribute to the community’s agricultural roots and ensures that students will always stay connected to their heritage while forging new paths in modern industries.

Underscoring the student-centered focus of the new facility, the dedication included an invocation by Senior Class Treasurer Cadee Zimmer and the presentation of colors by the Guadalupe Valley Young Marines. Student leaders Hana Kay and Avery Siskak led the pledges of allegiance. Board President Melissa Sartain formally dedicated the building, praising the collaborative partnerships that transformed the community’s vision into a reality. She also extended special gratitude to Dr. Epley for her leadership in navigating the construction phase and maintaining the district's culture during a period of unprecedented expansion.

The ceremony concluded with a student performance led by the Theatre Department, which chronicled the history of Navarro ISD from its 19th-century origins to the present. Students highlighted the evolution of the district, noting that the Class of 1926 consisted of only 12 graduates, whereas the Class of 2026 now exceeds 180 students. The students expressed their excitement for the new amenities, including the floral design lab, cybersecurity rooms, E-sports lab, and expanded athletic and fine arts facilities.

Following the singing of the Alma Mater and closing remarks by Senior Class President Colter Strauch, guests were invited to a reception in the cafeteria with refreshments provided by Claycomb Architects. The evening ended with guided tours led by the cheer and dance teams, while the Jazz Band performed on the new social stairs. This dedication stands as a symbol of "Purple and Gold Pride," signaling a new chapter for the Heart of Geronimo.