History

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This poem was composed in 1994, the year of our school's 25th anniversary, by Mrs. Suzie Snow, a faculty member who has been at Fort Dale since the very beginning. She is now retired from Fort Dale Academy.

In the fall of '69, a dream was begun,
To educate our children and make Fort Dale number one.
The day the doors opened the faculty numbered nine,
And one of the teachers had a face just like mine.
Yes, it is true! I've been here since day one,
Twenty-seven years of work and lots of fun.

Our chairman of the board was Elisha Poole,
"To Strive for Excellence" was his theme for the school.
College preparatory was the curriculum we taught,
To challenge our students was the purpose we sought.
Morals, etiquette, and manners were emphasized, too,
A safe and pleasant environment with rooms green and blue.

That first year the upper building was all the campus we had,
Grades one through nine with a library... it wasn't so bad.
The desks were old-fashioned, bought for about a dollar or so.
The parents stripped and stained till they even had a glow.
Many founding fathers were labeled the "sod-busters" group,
They planted grass, painted rooms, raised money... a hard working troupe.

The second year came and the lower building was now complete,
To hold sophomores, juniors, and seniors, plus two labs that were really neat.
We had a football team but no field to play on,
So we marked off the front yard of Jim and Carolyn Ryan.
It was either the third or fourth year that we finally built the gym,
And since the time it's seen some losses and some mighty sweet wins.

We worked hard through the '70's to establish an academic reputation,
Colleges said being a Fort Dale graduate was a good recommendation.
Then there were some years when the enrollment was slim,
And we had to tighten our belts and learn how to trim.
We stuck to our original purpose for the school:
Reading, writing,and arithmetic were our golden rule.

In 1983 we experienced a quick growth in size,
Merging with South Butler was a boost we soon realized.
A year or so later Fort Deposit joined the scene,
And the three former schools united into one solid team.
For the past ten years we seem to be bursting apart,
Oh, my! What a difference from our very humble start.

The fruits of a lot of love and labor can be seen all around,
From our two brand new buildings to a well-used playground.
Our fifth and sixth building in the near future does loom,
Oh, won't we be glad to be rid of those portable classrooms.
We can't help but to be proud and boastful, too,
Because all of these accomplishments can only help you.

As a senior sponsor, I just have to tell...
How our students at Fort Dale do so well.
Between two-three hundred thousand dollars in scholarships are earned each year,
When you consider 20-30 in each class, we really can cheer.
But the statistic that is the most important to me,
Is to 100% further their education... to the best they can be!

Of course we must mention winning the President's Award,
For six straight years we have been honored... our hearts soared.
It's one thing to think that what we are doing is right,
But it sure feels good for the state to put us in the spotlight.
Winning first place in areas like drama, science, and math,
Lets us know once again we are following the right path.

I hope I don't sound like we only promote brains,
Because Coach Speed and staff are challenged to train.
Last year they practiced, played, and put teams to the test,
Winning the "Chancellor's Award for Sports" tells the rest.
Both of my children learned from sports lessons so true,
That can't be learned at home, in the classroom, or even from you.

Thinking back all over all the special times in this place,
Talent shows, plays, athletics, graduations all in this one little space.
It is awesome to realize the lives our school has touched,
How students have gone beyond and achieved so much.
We take the credit for the foundation years,
Of doctors, lawyers, teachers and all of their peers.

To think that over twenty-five years ago
Was a tiny idea that some parents fanned to a glow.
And here as a result of their faith and trust of what could be,
We are able to look around us and see a legacy.
We invite you to join us... what a place to begin!
Please visit, ask questions, just treat us as friends.

The dream envisioned by many so long ago,
Has become a reality... a virtual best in show.
We are so thankful for faculty, students, and parents from the start,
Who put our school first in their minds and then in their hearts.
Because they have set the standards that have caused a sensation,
And we want you to be a part of our next generation.