Pictured from left are Daivd Miller, Bob Valentine, Brian Hendrickson, Rodman Myers, and Amy Jo Poffenberger.
On November 28, 2016, Thurmont Grange #409 hosted its annual Community Citizen Award dinner, which recognizes a member of our community who strives to make a difference. This year, Brian Hendrickson, a teacher in the agricultural department at Catoctin High School and one of the Catoctin High School FFA Chapter advisors, was honored.
Mr. Hendrickson has been a teacher and FFA advisor at Catoctin High School for the past eight years, but his lengthy resume began before he came to Catoctin. He grew up with a father who was also an Ag teacher. Hendrickson attended the University of Wisconsin at River Falls; after graduation, he became an Ag teacher and FFA advisor in Wisconsin for twenty-eight years. He has assisted many students in receiving their state FFA degrees and the American degree. He has excelled in advising students to become national FFA finalists and winners. Hendrickson has also offered professional development workshops, traveled nationally to conduct state workshops, filled in for national FFA staff, and served as a judge on the national level. He has even worked to gain approval for Ag education courses at the university level in Wisconsin.
Since Hendrickson has come to Catoctin High School, his past experience and his dedication to the students have helped many achieve goals and recognition, not only on a state level, but nationally as well. Under Hendrickson’s guidance, many Catoctin students were able to receive grants and scholarships from the National FFA. Many Catoctin graduates have gone on to hold state FFA offices. He has also worked closely with the FFA alumni, hosted the MD Foundation Showcase at Catoctin, conducted a MD Alumni Computer Training Workshop, held a workshop for MD teachers, and assisted with Ag Mechanics events. In addition, Hendrickson has played a vital role in the planning and running of the Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show each year since his arrival at Catoctin. Thanks to him, students at all Catoctin area feeder schools have the opportunity to enter and show their animals and Ag-related projects at this event.
Unfortunately, Hendrickson will be leaving Catoctin High School. It became obvious how this change is affecting members of our community, as guests stood to say a few words about the evening’s honoree. Several were brought to tears as they shared their thoughts and appreciation for all that Brian Hendrickson has done for them or their children or grandchildren. Jim Barth thanked Hendrickson from the bottom of his heart. His wife, Kay Barth, added, “You pushed our daughter to do things she never thought she could.” Bob Valentine said, “You brought the biggest ray of sunshine to Catoctin’s FFA program ever.” These heartfelt comments were repeated over and over, as each expressed their gratitude to Hendrickson.
Closing remarks were given by David Miller of the MD Ag Education Foundation, expressing the impact Hendrickson has had on Ag teachers and students—locally, statewide, and nationally. He shared how impressed he was with Hendrickson’s ability to encourage his students to apply for state and national FFA awards and to strive to become winners. He also said that Hendrickson “always has the students’ best interest in mind; he is an advocate for students and a students’ teacher.”
Thurmont Grange #409 was honored to recognize Brian Hendrickson for all his contributions and dedication to the students of Catoctin High School and its surrounding community.
