Pirates of the Pines
Celebrating 175 Years of Excellence in Education
It was an evening of joy, celebrating old friendships, new friendships, past victories, recent victories, and the foundation of Pine Tree ISD, Excellence in Education. Saturday night, February 4, 2023, educators, community members, alumni, and supporting businesses enjoyed an evening of dinner, dancing, and discovering that strength in a community is derived by the strength of the local school district. Pine Tree ISD is the second oldest public school district in the state of Texas, and Pirates of the Pines celebrated this amazing 175th birthday in a monumental extraordinary fashion. As the doors opened on the evening of the 4th, a community came together as one for an incredible cause, granting educational opportunities to Pine Tree students.
Pine Tree Boys State Basketball Champions Celebrate 50th Anniversary
The Pine Tree Education Foundation in partnership with Pine Tree ISD kicked off the evening with a special group of men who 50 years ago, brought a basketball state championship trophy to Pine Tree High School. As the amazing men who won the basketball state championship were spotlighted, a memorable movie was played which brought tears of laughter and joy to all those viewing. In the movie, the basketball players reflected on their academic and athletic journey as Pine Tree Pirates. Each man was interviewed separately; however, their answers were synonymous. The Pine Tree community, supporting and believing in one another, is their most joyful and lasting memory. As the movie concluded and the men were formally introduced and presented with 50th-anniversary medals, the true epitome of community support came into focus.
The Importance of Community
Following the award ceremony, Mr. Steve Clugston, Pine Tree ISD Superintendent, echoed the community importance as he outlined the new focus of the Pine Tree Education Foundation. As 65% of our student population is economically disadvantaged, we as a community must come together to help students attain their goals and dreams. We have students every day coming to school, eager to learn from the best educators around, performing to their best academically and behaviorally. However, due to limited financial resources, their dreams of dual credit classes, a college education, job training courses or the experience of attending a robotics camp is a need of our students and an opportunity our community can provide. Through applications, interviews, and teacher and counselor referrals, students will be offered academic opportunities they have always felt were unattainable due to financial restrictions. With the support of the community, economically disadvantaged students will have the academic opportunities to continue their lifelong learning. How fortunate are we as a Pirate family to share stories, experiences, and memories. These memories bring us forward as a larger Pirate family with your support as we reach greater potential.