Thank you. There are no words I can find to truly express my gratitude for all that you helped me accomplish. Your guidance and teaching will always stay with me as long as I live.

In a big city like Edmond, Oklahoma, stumbling upon an agriculture class is hard to do. Yet I was drawn to it as a young freshman, not knowing exactly what I was getting myself into. You were there from the beginning, always making jokes that seemed to have some sort of life lesson attached to it. My career in FFA didn’t really begin until I was a sophomore when you taught me everything I needed to know about owning and showing a sheep. The truth was never hidden with you; everything was always up front and laid out so that there was no confusion. I can’t tell you how appreciative I was for your honesty because it instilled in me the value of being truthful.

As my time in FFA went on, I continued to grow as a person and find out who I really wanted to be. I owe my passion for agriculture to you, as you opened my eyes to the world of possibilities that was waiting for me after high school. I was constantly pushed to do more than I thought I could, especially when you told me I had a week to do an entire agriscience fair project. With your oversight and guidance, I, along with my partner, was able to reach my highest goal and compete at National Convention. Everything I had worked for up to that moment suddenly became worth it. I broke down in tears in front of all of my friends when I heard the news, and thanked God that I had such amazing opportunities shown to me by such an incredible man.

The memories I made during my time in FFA would not be complete without the countless hours spent in the Ag truck, learning new things about the people I was with, new things about myself, and life lessons from you. I’ll never forget the first ride I took in the truck when I learned that “Road Closed” signs are only just a suggestion; small details that may not have meant anything to anyone else, but every time I pass one of those signs, I smile and think of the day I was really introduced to FFA.

I was recently asked during an interview what caused someone from a suburban city like Edmond, Oklahoma to pursue a degree in the agricultural field. My answer came to me immediately. “My high school ag teacher, actually,” I responded quickly. Maybe I talked a bit too much about this, but I had to brag. “He was the greatest influence on me in high school, and continues to influence me in my day-to-day life as a college student.”

I have no doubt in my mind that you have changed the lives of countless other students like you have mine. Your endless lessons over the four years I was in FFA will never be forgotten. I strive to influence people in the same way that you were able to influence me. Thank you so much for all that you did.