By Hayden Bush, Agricultural Sciences and Industrial Technology Instructor and FFA Advisor, Tillamook HS
I am humbled to share that the Tillamook High School Agricultural Sciences and Industrial Technology Program has been named the Outstanding Middle/Secondary Agricultural Education Program for Region 1 of the National Association of Agricultural Educators. A program is selected from each of the six regions, and THS was selected from one of the more populated regions, which makes this one of the highest honors in agricultural education.
As a kid who grew up in Tillamook, walked the halls of THS, and sat in these very ag classes, this recognition means the world to me. The lion’s share of the credit belongs to my wife, Brooklyn Bush. She stepped into the program when my own Ag Teacher and inspiration, Max Sherman re-retired. Brooklyn has poured her heart, soul, and countless hours into making this program thrive. I’ve said this so many times, but she is basically single-handedly responsible for the fact that we still have a thriving program in not only ag, but mechanics as well, as she was the driving force that absorbed that great program into ours so that it didn’t simply dissolve. Over time, we put together an amazing team of folks, like Johnny Begin, Mark Roberts, Rex Metcalfe, Carrie Averill, and others. The dedication on this team has taken the Tillamook ag program to heights I never could have imagined as an alumnus.
We are blessed with an incredible administrative team, led by Principal Jill Ingram and Interim Superintendent Jennifer Guarcello, that always champions our students, a teaching staff that supports ag education every step of the way, and students who work tirelessly to uphold the tradition of excellence here in Tillamook.
None of the work done in our program would be possible without the incredible community support we receive. Whether it’s attending our banquets, bidding at the fair auction, cheering on our students, donating time, money, or expertise, or simply believing in the value of ag education, the community is the true backbone of this program and has been for decades.
This honor is not just for our program – it’s for every student, parent, alumni, and community member who has invested in Tillamook High School Ag. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making Tillamook a place where agricultural education thrives.
Here’s to the next generation of leaders and agricultural advocates who will continue this legacy for years to come.