Proceedings, 1997

Agriscience Teacher of the Year
Sponsored by Ford Motor Company Fund and PCS Sales
Two outstanding teachers shared the stage Friday evening as
they were both announced as National Agriscience Teachers
of the Year. Ray Chelewski of the Presque Isle, Maine,
Regional Technology Center, and Richard Norns of Maries
Co. R-1I Schools in Belle, Mo., each received a $1,500 cash
award and a plaque recognizing their skills making science
and agriculture come alive for students.
Ray Chelewski has surrounded his students with
scientific technologies and opportunities. By using the
departments high-tech laboratory facilities students can
produce plants, tropical fish, trout, hydropomc tomatoes
and fruit and vegetable crops. Using these facilities
allows them to learn a great deal more about the
scientific aspects of agriculture.
Chelewski also encourages his students to use the
Internet and other technologies to access information in
a global environment. The department recently worked
with a local subsidiary of Monsanto on a project involv-
ing genetically improved potatoes, which received
acknowledgement from the parent company.
Enrollment in the schools agriculture program, in
which subjects mirror those taught in science classes,
has increased to 165 students from the 28 enrolled
when it began in 1990. Chelewski credits the reality-
based nature of the agriscience lessons with fostering
students' interest in both science and agriculture. "We
make science accessible and enjoyable for all, which
makes them appreciate agricultural science," he said.
Richard Norns applied for a $105,000 grant that he
has used to teach biotechnology concepts to agriculture
and science students. The grant provided state-of-the-art
equipment to teach these concepts. The lab and additional
greenhouse allow students to experiment with such break-
through concepts as hydroponics and bovine embryo
transfer in a classroom setting.
Norris also taught an experimental research and writing
course that took students through all phases of a year-long
research program, including statistical analysis of their data.
In addition, the department established a collection of
research materials to assist students.
"Students in our program appear to have a greater
understanding and appreciation of the scientific side of
agriculture, instead of simply dismissing current technolo-
gies as something that they would never employ on their
farm," Norris wrote in his application. "Students who once
had little interest in school are now motivated by what they
have seen in our biotech lab."
Gehrig T Johnson, superintendent of Maine School
Administrative District #1 in Presque Isle, Maine, and Ted
Spessard, superintendent of schools in Belle, Mo., were also
recognized for supporting agriscience education.
Ray Chelewski of the Presque Isle, Maine, Regional Technology Center
shared National Agriscience Teacher of the Year honors with Richard Nonis
of Maries Co. R-ll Schools in Belle, Mo. Each winner received a $1,500 cash
award in addition to a recognition plaque.
23'
NATIONAL WINNERS
Ray E. Chelewski, Presque Isle, Maine
Richard J. Norris, Belle, Mo.
National Finalists:
MINNESOTA: Michael A. Mastey, Bold
IOWA: David G. Briggs, Horn O' Plenty