Trimble Tech High School: A Legacy of Education and Achievement
Trimble Technical High School, situated in Fort Worth, Texas, boasts a rich history and a long list of notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. From its origins as Fort Worth High School in 1882 to its current status as a leading vocational institution, Trimble Tech has played a vital role in shaping the lives of countless individuals. This article explores the school's history, its evolution, and some of its most distinguished graduates.
Historical Overview
The institution now known as Trimble Tech High School began its journey in 1882 as Fort Worth High School. In 1910, a fire devastated the original school building, leading to temporary relocation of classes to elementary schools. A new building was constructed in 1911 at the corner of Jennings and Rosedale avenues. Construction on the current building commenced in 1917, and in 1918, the school was renamed Central High School upon moving to its new location.
In 1935, the school was renamed R. L. Paschal High School, honoring longtime principal R.L. Paschal. Following the relocation of Paschal High School in 1955, the building became Fort Worth Technical High School and experienced a period of expansion. In 1967, the school received its current name, Green B. Trimble Technical High School, to honor Green B. Trimble, who initiated the vocational aspect of the school.
Throughout the late 20th century, Trimble Tech continued to evolve, with the addition of a field house and athletic facilities in 1972, and a new gymnasium in 1980. A 1998 bond referendum facilitated the construction of a new band hall, technology wing, cafeteria, and library.
Campus and Location
Trimble Tech is located approximately two miles south of downtown Fort Worth, in the Near Southside district. The campus includes the main building, an outside gymnasium and band hall, and a field house. The main building, constructed between 1917 and 1918, was designed by Sanguinet & Staats, featuring a blend of Gothic and Prairie School architectural elements.
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The campus also features extensive outdoor athletic areas, including a football field, running track, softball field, baseball field, and tennis courts. These facilities support the school's athletic programs and provide green spaces for students.
Curriculum and Vocational Focus
Trimble Tech is a vocational school that offers a comprehensive curriculum, including core subjects such as English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards. The school's vocational facilities emphasize career and technical education (CTE) programs, with specialized labs simulating real-world environments.
The school offers 19 Programs of Choice, which include certifications in fields like engineering, health sciences, and business. This focus on vocational training prepares students for both higher education and practical trades.
Desegregation and Diversity
Trimble Tech played a significant role in the desegregation of Fort Worth schools. In 1964, it became the first all-white institution in Fort Worth to voluntarily admit Black students, allowing them access to vocational programs previously unavailable at segregated schools. This action paved the way for broader desegregation efforts in the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD).
Today, Trimble Tech is a diverse school, with a student population that reflects the demographic diversity of Fort Worth.
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Athletics
Trimble Tech fields a variety of interscholastic athletic teams as part of the University Interscholastic League (UIL) in Texas, competing primarily in Class 5A Division I. The athletics program emphasizes competitive participation and student development.
Recent achievements include the boys' soccer team's advancement to the UIL state semifinals in 2022, and sprinter Kenondra Davis's three-peat as state champion in track and field. The girls' volleyball team secured its first playoff victory in 2018.
Notable Alumni
Trimble Tech High School has produced a diverse array of successful individuals who have made their mark in various fields. Although a comprehensive list is not available, some notable alumni include:
- Candy Clark: Academy Award-nominated actress known for her role in "American Graffiti."
- Windell Middlebrooks: TV star.
- Deborah Ferguson: NBC 5 News morning anchor and reporter. She was a Trimble Tech cheerleader in her senior year in 1983.
- Price Daniel: Future Texas Governor (class of 1927).
- Charles Tandy: Tandy Corporation founder (class of 1935).
The school's alumni also include numerous professionals with advanced degrees, such as:
- Dr. Sue J. (Ph.D.)
- Dr. Andrew P. (Ph.D.)
- Dr. M.L. (Ph.D.)
- William V. (M.S.)
- Dr. Paul M. (Ph.D.)
- Dr. M. (Ph.D.)
- Becky A. (M.S.)
- Kathleen F. (Ph.D.)
- Dr. Daniel P. (Ph.D.)
- Janet D. (B.S.)
- Alfred M. (M.S.)
- H.E. (Ph.D.)
- Maman S. (Ph.D.)
- John V. (B.S.)
- Marlene Z. (Ph.D.)
- Trannie B. (B.S.)
- Dr. Susan R. (Ph.D.)
- Joyce B. (M.S.)
- Harline R. (Ph.D.)
- Dr. Francis K. (Ph.D.)
- William D. (B.S.)
- Kenneth A. (M.S.)
- Sandra L. (Ph.D.)
- Edna V. (Ph.D.)
- William D. (B.S.)
- William M. (M.S.)
- Dr. Thomas E. (Ph.D.)
- Debra O.D. (Ph.D.)
- T. K. (B.S.)
- Francis K. (M.S.)
- Arthur H. (Ph.D.)
- William J. (Ph.D.)
- Dr. Jeremiah J. (Ph.D.)
- Jay D. (B.S.)
- J. (M.S.)
- Max L. (Ph.D.)
- Paul J. (Ph.D.)
- Aubrey K. (Ph.D.)
- Connie M. (B.S.)
- Jan J. (M.S.)
- Jacqueline B. (Ph.D.)
- John W. (Ph.D.)
- John T. (Ph.D.)
- Diane L. (Ph.D.)
- Barbara J. (Ph.D.)
- Adib A. (B.S.)
- Charles W. (M.S.)
- Thom R. (Ph.D.)
- Walter L. (Ph.D.)
- Sheila A. (Ph.D.)
- Beverly J. (Ph.D.)
- Barbara S. (B.S.)
- Huey B. (M.S.)
- Barbara T. (Ph.D.)
- Sarah Lou H. (Ph.D.)
- James M. (Ph.D.)
- John E. (B.S.)
- Nancy J. (M.S.)
- Frederick D. (Ph.D.)
These alumni represent a wide range of professions and accomplishments, reflecting the diverse educational opportunities provided by Trimble Tech.
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Student Clubs and Organizations
Trimble Tech offers a diverse array of student clubs and organizations that promote cultural awareness, leadership, and career development, complementing the school's vocational focus. The fine arts programs at Trimble Tech emphasize creative expression and performance, with offerings in band, choir, orchestra, theater, and visual arts.
Admissions
Trimble Tech functions as a magnet and choice school within the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD), with an application-based admissions process open to eighth-grade students from middle schools across the district and beyond. While no middle schools are officially designated as feeders, students from southside FWISD middle schools, such as E.M. Daggett Middle School and Forest Oak Middle School, contribute significantly to the incoming classes.
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