Honoring Sandy Dykes: A Legacy of Excellence in Agricultural Education

The Weyauwega-Fremont School District is beaming with pride as we celebrate the incredible accomplishments of Sandy Dykes, a beloved Agriscience teacher who dedicated 33 years to shaping the future of students before retiring in 2023.

Sandy has been named this year’s NAAE Outstanding National Agricultural Educator, an honor that highlights her extraordinary contributions to agricultural education on both state and national levels.

A Career of Dedication and Achievement

Over her 35-year teaching career, Sandy Dykes has left an indelible mark on the lives of her students. Her commitment to continually evolving the curriculum ensured it remained rigorous, relevant, and aligned with the changing demands of the world.

Sandy’s work led to the creation of classes across five educational pathways and partnerships with three area technical colleges, providing students the opportunity to earn 15 dual credits. This innovative approach not only equipped students with critical skills but also opened doors to future educational and career opportunities.

Her influence extended beyond the classroom. Sandy helped the Weyauwega-Fremont FFA chapter flourish, developing a Program of Activities (POA) with over 75 annual activities. Through her mentorship:

• 180 members earned their State Degrees

• 121 members achieved their American Degrees

• Over 300 State Gold Proficiencies were submitted, resulting in 14 state winners, 6 national finalists, and 4 national winners

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A Humble Philosophy

Despite her remarkable achievements, Sandy remains focused on her students' successes. “If a student walks away from a class believing that they have succeeded that day, then education has been successful,” she says.

National Recognition

Sandy’s dedication was recently honored at the NAAE Convention in San Antonio, where she received the prestigious National Outstanding Teacher award. Earlier this year, she was also recognized as a State Winner at the 2024 WAAE Professional Development Conference.

These accolades are a testament to her unwavering passion for teaching, innovation, and mentorship.

A Community Celebration

The entire Weyauwega-Fremont community applauds Sandy for her profound impact and congratulates her on this well-deserved recognition. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of students and educators.

Way to go, Sandy! Your hard work and dedication make us #WegaFremont proud!

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