Former Aiken High School Educator
WILSON RECEIVES NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AWARD
COLUMBIA, SC….Joe Wilson of North Augusta, SC, was presented the National Outstanding Service Award by the National Association of Agricultural Educators during their recent national conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs for Agricultural Education and the FFA. Wilson, one of the nation’s premier agricultural educators, retired in July 2007 after 33 years of distinguished service at Aiken High School.
“Under Mr. Wilson’s leadership, the Aiken FFA Chapter was recipient of the Governor’s Citation of Accomplishment consistently over the years and recognized many times as a top ranked Three Star Chapter in the nation by the National FFA Organization,” Mr. Parris said. “Additionally, he guided the Aiken Adult Agricultural Education Program to national prominence by being recognized as one of the top six in the nation.”
Mr. Wilson has previously been recognized as one of the Outstanding Agricultural Educators in the nation by the National Association of Agricultural Educators, named recipient of the prestigious Honorary American FFA Degree by the 523, 000 member National FFA Organization and presented the State Agricultural Education Mentor Award by the SC Agricultural Educators Association.
An appreciative recipient of many honors and awards, Mr. Wilson’s greatest personal satisfaction is in the success of his former students who received advanced FFA degrees, competed in state and national career development events and served as state FFA officers. Many of them hold important leadership positions in the agricultural industry, natural resource conservation, education and other related careers as a direct result of his inspiration and influence.
“Joe Wilson provided visionary leadership throughout his professional career that successfully inspired his students to ‘reach for the stars’ in their quest for excellence in agricultural education,” Mr. Parris emphasized.