One of Gallatin’s favorite sons, Phil Tate, will address the graduating Class of 2005 during Commencement ceremonies at 3 p.m. Sunday at Gallatin R-5 High School.
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
Find out how to advertise here - Email us! [email protected]
Phil’s achievements are widely known. During his six terms as a state representative in the Missouri House, he developed a reputation for expertise in the legislative process and specifically in economic development. More recently, he was asked to serve three governors as president of the Hawthorn Foundation and as Director of Business Expansion and Attraction for the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
Mr. Tate retired from the state in 2003, and currently does contract work for communities in economic development.
To his many friends and neighbors, Phil is much more than what might be listed on a resume. He and his wife, Nancy, reside just four blocks from the Gallatin schools where Nancy taught for many years. Their son, Aaron, is completing his fourth year of a 5-year PhD program in Classics at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.
Phil has served this community as an alderman, ambulance board member, health board trustee, church board, and volunteer fire fighter. He has been president or chairman of many organizations, including R-5 Board of Education, Gallatin Jaycees, Gallatin Industrial Development Corporation, and Gallatin Rotary Club.
Phil chaired the Freshman Caucus upon his election to the Missouri House. He was a delegate to the State Democratic Convention in 1972 and 1976, and an alternate to the National Democratic Convention in 1980. He served on the House Reapportionment Commission in 1981. He has received numerous awards and honors, given by education, governmental and business groups.
Phil Tate achieved a B.S. degree in business and public administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He is a lifelong resident and proud graduate of Gallatin R-5 High School, chosen as this year’s 48 graduating seniors as their Commencement speaker.
The program for the GHS Commencement at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 15, will begin with the processional “Pomp and Circumstance” performed by the Gallatin High School Band under the direction of Gene Edwards.
The presentation of honors and awards will be made by Principal Mike Burrell after Mr. Tate’s address. Then the presentation of the graduating class by Superintendent James Ruse will be followed by the presentation of diplomas by President of the Board of Education Vance Hefley.
A senior farewell by will be given by Class President Emily Gay. The recessional “Pomp and Circumstance” performed by the GHS Band concludes the ceremony.