Savoy, Texas -- On April 4, 2024, Savoy Independent School District’s Agriculture Science Department was awarded $10,000 by Atmos Energy. The primary use of the funds is geared towards the development of a robust greenhouse program. The procurement of a greenhouse would allow for the district to locally grow food that would benefit students and the Savoy community. Food produced from the greenhouse system will be used to address food insecurity, with a portion of the produce being sold for program sustainability purposes.

BahaMex Productions (a Texoma-based company) engaged in conversations with Savoy ISD’s Agriculture teacher (Gower Lester) about possible grant/donation opportunities for the school’s Agriculture program. The former agreed to perform free grant writing services in pursuit of a greenhouse, and has completed phase one in providing said services. After initial meetings with Atmos Energy and completion of a project narrative, it was determined in March that an award of $10,000 would be awarded to Savoy ISD for the greenhouse initiative.

The Savoy FFA Booster Club will receive the actual donation funds on behalf of the Agriculture Science Department given its 501(c)(3) status. Additionally, BahaMex Productions seeks to commence phase two of the grant writing services in April, with the goal of securing final greenhouse funds.

Travis Buckner, Manager of Public Affairs for Atmos Energy Corporation explained the significance of this partnership.

"At Atmos Energy, we base all of what we do off five principles, two of those principles being 'make a difference' and 'focus on the future'. We felt like partnering with Savoy ISD to build this greenhouse would touch on both of those principles. We are grateful for our partnership, and for the initiative to help with local food insecurity," stated Mr. Buckner.

“Savoy ISD is truly grateful to Atmos Energy for the donation toward the purchase and construction of the greenhouse. The students of Savoy and the Savoy Community are excited about the project. This project will be open to all Savoy ISD students to use and be a part of. It will also bring community awareness to Savoy ISD and to the Agriculture Science Department,” said Gower Lester, Savoy ISD Agriculture Science teacher.

Savoy ISD intends to commence the greenhouse project this year once final funds have been confirmed.