Nyssa Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year

Yesterday, Chad was surprised by Susan Barton of the Nyssa Chamber and Larry Ramirez - Principal of Nyssa High School in his 7th period class.

They came in to announce he has been selected as the Nyssa Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year!

Now, I know that Chad is great and I see all the hard work, extra hours, and dedication he puts into his profession, but it is so nice to see that he is being recognized by the community as well! In addition to being the Agricultural Educator at Nyssa High School, Chad is the FFA Advisor, Varsity Baseball Coach, and Middle School Basketball Coach. He also works in the before and after-school program and you can often see him at various sporting and other extra-curricular events throughout the year supporting his students.

Mr. Cruickshank & NHS FFA Students - National FFA Convention 2011

Through his teaching and FFA, Chad has a program to raise tilapia fish which they sell through Red Apple; students grow poinsettias and flower baskets in the greenhouse to raise money for FFA trips (like the two consecutive Nationals trips they have taken); tomatoes are grown and sold through M&W Markets; large flower baskets are grown and hung throughout the streets of Nyssa; welding projects are completed for members of the community; and Nyssa is very active in all parts of the Malheur County Fair - coming home with more and more awards each year! That is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many late nights in the 'ag shop' - working on resumes, college and scholarship applications, perfecting speeches, working on debates, and more. And let's not forget the early morning batting practice through the winter.

Coach Cruickshank - NHS Baseball Awards 2012

I am so proud of you Chad! Congratulations.

The award will be given at the Nyssa Chamber Honors Banquet - January 26, 2013 at the Nyssa Cafeteria. A prime rib dinner will be served during live and silent auctions to help raise money for the Nyssa Chamber. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., tickets are $20 each and can be purchased through the Nyssa Chamber. Oh yes, and Chad will be giving a speech :)