CATA Hall of Fame - Class of 2016

	Ron Alves 1960-1965 UC Davis, 1965-1969 Yuba City HS, 1969-1974 America School in Japan, 1974-2004 Modesto JC, 2004-2014 Modesto JC Adjunct Teacher of Excellence Ron Alves’ exposure to ag education started early - while enrolled as a student at Downey HS, his team won the state title in Agronomy judging. Ron attended UC Davis and began his teaching career at Yuba City High. He eventually moved to Modesto Junior College, where he compiled a distinguished record of accomplishments over the next 30 years. Ron mentored many young ag teachers and helped develop curriculum at the statewide level. He assisted in the development of the Tech-Prep program in California and helped develop 2+2 articulation agreements for a number of ag programs. His expertise in computer technology enabled him to assist many in the ag education profession become more familiar with the practical application of computers in their program. Even in retirement he continues to assist local ag programs with judging teams and project competition events.
	Del Clement 1959-1969 Cal Poly, SLO, 1967-1978 Righetti HS, 1978-1979 Washington Union HS, 1979-1998 Lompoc HS, 1979-1977 Cal Poly, SLO Adjunct Outstanding Teacher Teacher of Excellence Del Clement began his 33-year teaching career at Righetti High School in the South Coast Region, where he pioneered the first meats processing lab and course offered in California. He then moved on to Lompoc High, where he revived the agricultural mechanics and veterinary science programs and coached seven State and one National Champion judging teams. Del was well-known in ag education circles for his barbeque fundraisers, which raised over $300,000 for FFA. During his career, Del mentored 12 students who became ag teachers, and was very active on regional and state committees in ag education. He also stressed the importance of strong SAE’s, with numerous students recognized for champions exhibited at county and state level fairs and shows.
	Jim Porter 1961-1966 CSU Fresno, 1966-1967 UC Davis, 1967-1970 Galt HS, 1970-1974 Santa Rosa HS, 1974-2004 Santa Rosa Junior College Teacher of Excellence Jim Porter grew up in Petaluma with a solid background in production agriculture. His 37-year career started at Galt High School, where he helped revitalize an ag program while coaching several highly successful teams. He eventually moved back home to the North Coast Region, where he taught for four years at Santa Rosa High School before being hired by Santa Rosa Junior College. His 30-year tenure at SRJC was marked by nationally competitive judging teams, tremendous involvement in livestock projects and programs, and a willingness to assist programs and teachers in the area of animal science. His children were very active in ag education and FFA, and Jim continues to serve his community through his involvement with the Sonoma County Fair and other Sonoma Valley agricultural activities.
	Anthony Silva 1965-1971 Cal Poly, SLO, 1970 San Benito HS, 1970-1972 Strathmore HS, 1972-2008 Turlock HS, 1984 Cal Poly, SLO Adjunct CATA President 1987-1988 Outstanding Young Member Teacher of Excellence Born and raised on a small dairy outside of Los Banos, Anthony Silva developed a passion for agriculture and the outdoors at an early age. After attending Cal Poly, Anthony spent the bulk of his career teaching at Turlock High School. During his tenure, he coached four State Champion teams in Dairy Judging, with one of those teams recognized as National Champions. His students were highly active in a variety of SAE’s, with many of his students actively involved in production agriculture. Anthony served his profession in a variety of leadership roles, most notably serving as CATA State President in 1987-88. Because of his record of leadership and mentoring, Anthony was asked to supervise student teachers after he retired in 2008. He is still very active in his community, serving on several boards and advisory committees in the Turlock area.
	Stan Uchiyama 1964-1969 Cal Poly, SLO, 1970-2011 North Salinas HS, 1977-1979 Alisal HS Teacher of Excellence Stan Uchiyama grew up in his family’s produce market business, and his involvement in ag education and the FFA while in high school guided him towards a career in ag education. Stan spent 41 years teaching at North Salinas High School, where he developed a program that was widely recognized as a model in many areas. He supervised and mentored 12 student teachers and served on several statewide curriculum and leadership committees. He conducted professional development workshops in a wide variety of areas, including the use of local booster organizations and program management in ag education. Stan was highly respected for his leadership in ag education and was selected to represent classroom teachers as a member of the Statewide Ag Education Advisory Committee. Stan continues to serve ag education and his community by serving on several local committees and boards.
	Gerald Wenstrand 1969-1971 Modesto JC, 1971-1973 CSU Fresno, 1975-1976 CSU Fresno, 1976-2006 Kern Valley HS Teacher of Excellence Outstanding Teacher Don Wilson Memorial Gerald Wenstrand spent his entire teaching career at Kern Valley High School, where he built an exemplary program that included one of the most active booster organizations in the state. He designed and built a 15-acre school farm on the campus, which included a 100-ewe breeding flock which was used to provide project animals for his students. For many years, he took over 100 FFA members to the local Kern County Fair, assisted only by supporters and parents from the community. Despite the remote location of his program, he was asked to supervise over 10 student teachers during his tenure, a tribute to his leadership and mentoring ability. His selection as a Star State Advisor was in recognition of the high levels of achievement of his students, including over 250 State FFA Degrees and 32 State Champions in speaking and proficiency areas. Even today, he continues to assist local students with their SAE programs while serving as a local 4-H leader.