CATA HALL OF FAME - CLASS OF 2005
Richard
Boucher
Tulare HS
Teacher of Excellence 1983
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Richard Boucher spent his entire 33-1/2 year career teaching agriculture at the Tulare High School District. During his tenure the program grew from about fifty students and one FFA Chapter to 600 students and two chapters. He was strongly involved in the CATA for thirty-four years. He was the Agriculture Department Chairman of the five-teacher department for twenty-seven years. His dedication and commitment to the youth of Tulare, and the positive role model he provided through teaching and counseling has earned the respect and admiration of the community. Richard strongly supported the FFA and SOE programs at Tulare Union, Tulare Western, and the State of California. Many of his former students are still involved in either farming, or the agriculture industry. His community involvement includes serving on boards, church activities and service clubs. |
Larry Crabtree
Sutter HS
Teacher of Excellence 1983
| In 36 years Larry Crabtree has raised three children and built a tremendous agriculture program at Sutter High School. His 95 State and six American FFA Degree winners are just a fraction of the students who have achieved excellence under his tutelage. He has been a positive caring role model for the profession who rallied the troops and lead the charge to "Save our Bureau" and reinstate regional delivery of agriculture education. His inspirational style has touched students and peers alike. Larry Crabtree is what agriculture education leaders should be, innovative, committed, caring and a person of action. He is always able to provide perspective with humor and wisdom. His community, his school, his students, and his peers are better for having rubbed shoulders with this gentle giant. |
Leonard Eugene DeRuiter
Hanford HS
Teacher of Excellence 1979
| Leonard DeRuiter graduated from Hanford High School in 1958, attended college, entered the Peace Corps, and returned as an agriculture instructor at Hanford High School in 1965. He spent his entire thirty-seven year career at Hanford where he retired in 2002. During Leonard's tenure at Hanford High School students excelled in competitive events. During his 37 years, Hanford FFA won more state and national championships than any other chapter in California. The Hanford program produced three national FFA officers during his career. While at Hanford he supervised 40 plus student teachers and hosted Student Teacher Tours of the Hanford program. |