Longview High School FFA program had another successful year, but not just for the students or the meat processing plant. Ag teacher and FFA advisor, John Denson has made 2016-2017 his own personal success story.
Armed with his “Without AG this would be empty” koozie from Stephen F. Austin State University, he shows pride in his students, their achievements, his profession, the school he represents and the universities he has attended. All his hard work and pride culminated this summer at two different conferences, The Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas (VATAT) and the 89th Annual Texas FFA Convention, both of which he was honored.
The VATAT awarded him with the 2017 Area VI Outstanding Media award, which honors agriculture science teachers who successfully publicize and promote their program and agricultural education through the media. Denson published two works in 2016.
His first was an article in The Journal of School & Society called “Looking at the future of Vocational Education: Vocational Agricultural Technology.”
The second was his Ph.D dissertation, on diversity in the AG profession. He was also instrumental in being a voice for his students in the district paper, The Longview Voice, and the Longview News-Journal.
At the 89th Annual Texas FFA State Convention, he was honored with the highest honorary degree given by the Texas FFA, the Honorary Lone Star FFA Degree. According to Texas FFA Association “this honor recognizes individuals who have rendered outstanding service to agricultural education and the Texas FFA.” Denson was one of 43 individuals receiving this esteemed honorary degree.
“The experience and knowledge I gained from getting my Ph.d is starting to shape what I do outside of the classroom,” Denson said. “I know the importance of experience in the field and continuing education, always staying current, and not only relying just the skills that got me and my students where we are. Our Ag profession is growing in many different ways and our students have the opportunity to learn skills that will take them into professions after graduating and in a college classroom if that is their path. I feel fortunate to be able to help with whatever path these students take.”