Farmers group to honor Evans teacher
In his 30-year career, Evans High School agriculture and horticulture teacher Chuck Anderson has developed just as many upstanding students as he has grown plants.
Chuck Anderson, who teaches agriculture and horticulture at Evans High School and is the school's Future Farmers of America adviser, is being recognized by the National FFA on Friday with an achievement award.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Anderson's dedication will be recognized Friday at the National Future Farmers of America Convention in Louisville, Ky., with the Honorary American FFA Degree Award.
"It's given to people throughout the nation who have advanced the agriculture education in FFA through personal contribution and commitment," said Anderson, who also is the group's adviser at Evans High.
He will be one of 37 FFA professionals from across the United States and its territories being recognized this year.
Anderson, who taught agriculture and horticulture in Walton County for four years before coming to Evans 26 years ago, says he believes in a hands-on teaching method.
"The FFA motto is 'Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live and living to serve,'" he said. "I try to incorporate that into my teaching."
He estimates that his approach has led 1,000 students to careers in agriculture and horticulture industries. Anderson even sees the acceptance of his award as a teaching opportunity.
"I get to take some students with me to the FFA convention, so they get to witness it firsthand," he said. "Without me getting this, they probably would not have gotten that chance. Hopefully, they'll come back and be better leaders on the community and chapter level."