Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute is launching a centennial celebration on August 21 to honor 100 years of education and the enduring legacy of its founder, Sergeant Alvin C. York.
Director of Schools John Bush said the milestone is a special occasion for the institution to reflect on its history of providing rural education to the youth of Fentress County. Bush said the school originated as a private institution founded by York, who sought to provide local students with the educational opportunities he lacked before serving in World War I.
“He planted a seed, you know, 100 years ago, and now we’ve we we see what’s happened,” Bush said, “And we literally have, five and six-year generation, you know, legacy students.”
Bush said the school has remained true to its roots as an agricultural institute where the farm continues to be a central part of the student experience. Bush said York originally intended for the school to educate students so they could return to their family farms to live fuller lives.
The kickoff event on August 21 will feature a keynote address from Betsy Ross York, the last surviving child of Sergeant York and a graduate of the school. Bush said while the event is not open to the public due to school security protocols, the ceremony will be live-streamed for the community.
Bush said the school is revitalizing original traditions, such as York’s motto “Prepare and Excel,” while introducing a new mantra of “Fight For It” to encourage students to persevere through challenges. Bush said the school has also placed a bust of Sergeant York as the centerpiece of the foyer so it is the first thing every student sees when they enter the building.
“Sergeant York had to fight, you know, during the during the the war, you know, to defend freedom and to save the lives of himself and his and his squad,” Bush said. “You know, but then when he came back, he had to fight for rural education.”
Celebrations will continue throughout the school year with special recognitions for legacy families and Century Farms at athletic events. Bush said the school will also host the Sergeant York Classic basketball game near the founder’s birthday, featuring birthday cake for students and fans.
“I just hope that they honestly, I just hope they remember what Sergeant York sacrificed and what a privilege it is that we have this institution and that we cherish it and that we pay it forward to future generations,” Bush said.
Bush said the institute is entering its centennial year with strong academic momentum, including significant achievement gains in math and a large cohort of students participating in the Middle College program with Roane State.
