Retired AHS teacher receives nat'l honor

Joe Wilson, the retired Aiken High agricultural education teacher, recently received a national honor.

The North Augusta resident was presented the National Outstanding Service Award by the National Association of Agricultural Educators during its national conference in Las Vegas, Nev., said John W. Parris, state director of public affairs for S.C. Agricultural Education and the FFA.

Wilson, one of the nation's top agricultural educators, retired in July 2007 after 33 years of distinguished service at Aiken High.

"Under Mr. Wilson's leadership, the Aiken FFA Chapter was the recipient of the Governor's Citation of Accomplishment consistently over the years," said Parris. "It was recognized many times as a top ranked Three-Star Chapter in the nation by the National FFA Organization. Additionally, he guided the Aiken Adult Agricultural Education Program to national prominence by being recognized as one of the top six in the nation."

The national association previously recognized Wilson as one of the outstanding agricultural educators in the nation. He also received of the prestigious Honorary American FFA degree by the 523,000-member National FFA organization. Wilson won the State Agricultural Education Mentor Award from the S.C. Agricultural Educators Association.

Wilson said his greatest personal satisfaction stems from 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 Wilson's inspiration and influence, said Parris.

"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," Parris said.