School ag program tops state

RITZVILLE — The local middle and high school agriculture program has received a statewide honor.

The Lind-Ritzville middle and high school agricultural program was recently selected by the Washington Association of Agricultural Educators as the “Outstanding Program(s)” for the year 2023.

High School Principal Kevin Terris spoke highly of the teachers – Lori Sanderson and Andy Williams – noting the program deserves the award due to the teachers’ ability to “connect the two communities of Lind and Ritzville in a fun and competitive manner.”

The teachers were recognized for the state award at the 2023 WAAE Summer Conference the week of June19.

“With all the amazing ag programs in the state of Washington, it is a great honor to be chosen as the state winner,” Superintendent Don Vanderholm said, noting the teachers will be representing Washington at the regional conference this fall.

The have a “legitimate shot” at winning the National Association of Agricultural Educators Outstanding Program Award in December, the superintendent said.

According to Vanderholm, the local teachers entered the school district program into the awards competition in the early spring, hoping to gain well-deserved recognition.

As a result, the program was chosen as the District IX winner in spring, advancing it to the state recognition program.