GREENVILLE, Texas - After nearly 25 years of shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders, Greenville High School agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor Kristi Thompson has been recognized as one of Texas' top agriculture educators.
Thompson was recently named the Area 5 Experienced Teacher of the Year by the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas (ATAT), earning a place among just 12 finalists selected statewide for the organization's prestigious Experienced Teacher of the Year award.
The award recognizes agriculture educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, provide outstanding leadership within their FFA programs and make lasting contributions to their schools and communities.
For Thompson, the recognition reflects the success of the entire Greenville FFA program rather than an individual accomplishment.
"I take it more as the Ag teachers that I work with see the good things that we're doing," Thompson said. "It's not just me, it takes an entire chapter to do it."
Thompson's passion for agriculture began at an early age. She started showing livestock in the third grade and remained active in both 4-H and FFA throughout high school before earning a degree in agricultural education from Southwest Texas State University, now Texas State University.
She began her teaching career at North Shore High School in Houston before spending three years at Wiley High School. Thompson has served Greenville ISD for the past 17 years and will begin her 18th year with the district this fall.
Throughout her career, she has taught a variety of agriculture courses, including livestock production, small animal management, equine science, floral design, horticulture, landscaping and agricultural practicum.
The Greenville High School agriculture program has experienced significant growth under Thompson's leadership. Last school year, 476 high school students were enrolled in agriculture courses, while approximately 170 middle school students also participated in the district's agriculture program.
Student achievement has also continued to rise. Last year, 11 Greenville FFA members earned the Lone Star Degree, the highest honor awarded to Texas FFA members at the state level. The chapter was also recognized as a Gold Rated Chapter, one of the state's highest distinctions based on student leadership, community service and chapter activities.
Community service remains a cornerstone of the Greenville FFA program. Thompson said she encourages students to give back because of the strong support they receive from the community.
"We have a huge community that supports our program," Thompson said. "So I'm always harping on the kids and telling them, as much as we can give back, we need to."
Greenville FFA currently maintains six blessing boxes throughout the city and helps stock a total of 11 locations with food and essential supplies. Students also participate in food drives and numerous other community service projects.
The program will expand those efforts during the upcoming school year with the addition of a giving fridge at Greenville High School. Funded through a grant received last year, the refrigerator will provide students access to unused cafeteria items such as milk and fruit that might otherwise go to waste.
Looking ahead, Thompson said she is excited about continuing to grow the Greenville FFA program alongside a new group of student officers and additional agriculture teachers who will help meet increasing student interest.
While the statewide recognition honors Thompson's decades of dedication, she said her greatest reward continues to be watching students discover their passions, develop leadership skills and make a positive impact in their community.
