CATA Hall of Fame - Class of 2022

	Jim Aschwanden Chowchilla Union High School 1976-1978, Galt High School 1978-1993, UC Davis 1995-1997, CATA Executive Director 1993-2017 Honorary American Degree 1988 Teacher of Excellence 1991 Agriscience Teacher of the Year 1992 Honorary State Degree 1994 CATA Founders Award 2017 National FFA VIP Award 2018 Jim's belief and passion for agricultural education stemmed from his own success as a product of Galt FFA. The vision and pursuit of excellence that he brought to the classroom followed him in his role as the executive director of the CATA. Jim was instrumental in making the delivery of relevant, rigorous and hands on learning available to California students for nearly five decades. His leadership of the CATA saw growth in membership and service to the teachers of California. His vision and steadfast work with the legislature and service on the California State School Board allowed agricultural education to prosper as other CTE programs faded. Jim was instrumental in the development and growth of the California FFA Foundation, The FFA Adult Board and the construction of the California FFA Center. Jim definitely left the programs in California better than he found them leaving an indelible mark on Agricultural Education in the state and across the nation.
	Darlene Gilles Clovis High School 1984-1993, Madera/Madera South High School 1993-2018 Teacher of Excellence 2003 Honorary American Degree 2008 CATA Outstanding Teacher 2009 Darlene's career spanned thirty-four years mentoring individual Ag teachers one on one, sharing what she had learned. She always believed that helping each other learn and improve our skills in the classroom, SAE, FFA makes us all better, which benefitted students across the state. Her biggest achievements made during her time was seeing our department change the attitude of our Hispanic students about the importance of Agriculture and FFA to their futures. By highlighting that they are as capable of achievement and equally deserving, this small change helped to improve the program, school, and community. Darlene worked tirelessly to serve the CATA at the section, region and state levels while she developed an exemplary Floral Design Curriculum and full-fledged student run business at her program. This allowed her students to flourish and succeed in the floral industry.
	George Gomes FFA Foundation Board Member & Chair Cal Poly Ag Advisory Council Chair CA State Fair Ag Advisory Chair Western Fairs Association, Life Member Associate Professor Cal Poly, SLO Fair Manager, Napa County Fair Chief, Division of Fairs & Expositions, CDFA Undersecretary, CDFA Administrator, CFBF Second Term Undersecretary, CDFA While never a secondary classroom teacher, George believed in the Blue and Gold with an unwavering passion. His service as a founding member of the California FFA Foundation, cultivating financial support and relationships for over four decades allowed the agriculture education students of California to grow exponentially. George was instrumental in making the dream of the California FFA Center a reality. We also owe the benefits of the Cal Ag License plate to the forward-thinking work of Mr. Gomes. George served as a constant ally and proponent of agricultural education through many political battles during his two tenures as Undersecretary of the CDFA. His passion and support never wavered and is greatly appreciated.
	Jack Havens Gonzales High School 1978-2000, Southern Region Supervisor 200-2018 CATA Outstanding Young Member 1984 Honorary American Degree 1987 Teacher of Excellence 1991 Honorary State FFA Degree 2005 CA FFA Distinguished Service Citation 2011 National FFA VIP 2018 Jack's contributions to agricultural education in California are deeply rooted in the totality of a Supervised Agricultural Experience program. His dedication to helping teachers and students transition through the different iterations of the record book, shows a fortitude that few exhibit. Jack's expertise in SAEs made him the State lead for proficiency award applications, working with advisors and students to showcase the very best SAE projects California had to offer and bringing California FFA increased recognition. As a Regional Supervisor, Jack recognized the importance of leadership matching membership. He consistently had a diverse group of regional leaders in the FFA and CATA.
	Max Jones D&L Automotive Mechanic; Shop Foreman Holt of California Caterpillar Recruiter for the Think Big Program For many years, Max Jones has been a great friend to the Ag Mechanics, Farm Power, and Small Engines contests. He was very well respected by contestants and coaches alike. He always provided hats as prizes for the winning teams and individuals, and he persuaded his company, Holt of California, to donate large toolboxes and jackets to the winners of these contests at state finals. Max secured sponsorship funding for engines used in the Small Engines contest including trailers and parts to "bug" the engines. In his efforts to grow the Think Big program Max visited countless classrooms and brought the real world to thousands of students, opening their eyes to the possibilities in heavy equipment. Max was a conduit to industry for many students across the state through the Think Big program. But Max also worked with local programs and the state agricultural advisory committee to ensure funding and relevant curriculum was being delivered. Max was always present with a smile and a hearty handshake providing support and guidance for hundreds of teachers and thousands of students during his work with Holt of California.
	Mike Rourke Healdsburg High School 1978-1981, Yreka High School 1981-1984, Trinity High School 1984-2018, Shasta College 1990-2013, Chico State University 2017-2022 Teacher of Excellence 1992 Mike Rourke was a teacher by choice, knowing the trials and tribulations of agriculture education as he followed the footsteps of his father into the classroom. Mike developed a reputation for patience, honesty, hard work and student focus. During his tenure he developed a single person department into a two and a half teacher program with curriculum that was relevant to his local community. A testament to his mentorship is the respect for which the community continues to hold for Mr. Rourke. Statewide Mike was known for his work in the development of Forestry and Natural Resource curriculum as well as developing and coordinating the Natural Resources/Forestry contest. His service continues as Mike supervises student teachers from Chico State University. Mike has never veered from his agricultural roots as he manages a 5th generation hay and cattle ranch and has passed his passion for agriculture education on to his two agriculture teacher children.
	Kerry Stockton Executive Assistant, California Agricultural Teachers' Association (1993 - present) Coordinator, State FFA Scrapbook Contest Coordinator, State FFA Store State FFA Leadership Conference Associate Editor Golden Slate Coordinator CATA Summer Conference Honorary California State FFA Degree Honorary American FFA Degree For nearly 30 years Kerry has served as the heart and soul of the CATA. Kerry has worked tirelessly to ensure that the teachers in our state were informed, registered and ready for all the activities hosted by not only the CATA but all of agricultural education. Kerry greeted every member with a smile and heartfelt how are you at every event or phone call. Kerry assisted the state CATA leadership to conduct business in an efficient and meaningful way. She created and maintained relationships at all levels of our state and association working lockstep with the executive director, the California FFA, California FFA Foundation and the California FFA Adult Board. The many hats worn during her tenure have assisted in the development and coordination of events, in-service and professional development for thousands of teachers statewide, and an exponential number of students. But none of these more important than that of mom and grandmother.
	Frank Tebeau Washington Union High School 1976-1979, Mt. Whitney High School, 1979-1997, College of the Sequoias, 1997-2019 Teacher of Excellence 2001 Honorary California State FFA Degree 1986 Honorary American FFA Degree 1987 California FFA Star State Advisor 1986 Frank Tebeau is a pillar in the agriculture community of Tulare County. He was a proud FFA Member of Mt. Whitney FFA earning his American Degree in 1973, thus creating his passion for agricultural education. He later went on to become an Agriculture Teacher serving students at Washington Union High School, Mt. Whitney High School and College of the Sequoias. Throughout his tenure, Frank was student focused and ensured success for his students and programs. His mentorship and guidance has been invaluable, as many of his former students serve in agriculture education today. His reach stretched as he served as the state advisor for the Collegiate Ag. Leaders providing opportunities for post-secondary leadership development. Frank is a loving husband to his wife Delores, a proud father and grandfather to his daughter Sarah, and granddaughters Alice and Jane.