Wells, Nev. – (May 1, 2014) – Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. awarded a two-year lease on a 2014 Toyota Tundra to Wells High School agriculture teacher Don Noorda in recognition of him receiving the 2013 Outstanding Teacher Award from the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE). Noorda is one of only six educators nationwide to receive the prestigious award.
On April 30, Chuck Bierbach, General Manager of Elko Toyota, was on hand to present Noorda the keys to the 2014 Toyota Tundra at an FFA Chapter Banquet at Wells High School. Over the past seven years, Toyota Motor Sales has awarded more than 84 Toyota trucks to agriculture teachers throughout the U.S. through its sponsorship of the NAAE award, co-sponsored by the National FFA Foundation.
“Here at Toyota Motor Sales, we are proud to support agricultural education as a key element of our country’s cultural and economic future,” said Jim Baudino, engagement marketing manager for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “We are thrilled to participate in such a meaningful and engaging sponsorship.”
An alumnus of the University of Nevada at Reno, Noorda has taught at Wells High School since 1993. In his 21 years at the school, he introduced a greenhouse and an agricultural mechanics curriculum to the agriculture program and led the agriculture classes in playing an instrumental role in building the high school baseball field. Students participate in a monthly community service project, and sell wholesale plants and produce grown in the greenhouse to local garden shops as an intentional way to support, rather than compete with, local business.
“I really enjoy my job, my career, and the community of Wells, which has always supported me 100%,” commented Noorda. “Agriculture is one of the vital fields for quality of life, food, and shelter. Without agricultural education, we wouldn’t be able to maintain the quality of life that we’ve had in the past.”
The Outstanding Teacher award program distinguishes NAAE members who are at the pinnacle of their profession—those who are conducting the highest quality agricultural education programs and are innovators and catalysts for student success. The award recognizes leadership in civic, community, agriculture/agribusiness and professional activities.
“This award recognizes innovation and best practices among those who are training the next generation of agricultural leaders,” said Jay Jackman, executive director of NAAE. “NAAE is proud to honor Don Noorda for his accomplishments as an educator.”
