High School FFA students surprise retiring teacher
Just a few of the many students that showed up at the retirement celebration last week. Photos courtesy of Heather Clement.
Mark Clement taught agriculture, was FFA advisor for 37 years
— After 37 years of serving the community of Paso Robles as an agriculture teacher and Future Farmers of America advisor, Mark Clement officially retired last Friday.
Dozens of FFA students showed up in uniform at Paso Robles High School last wednesday for his retirement celebration held at the high school.
FFA President Nathanael Bourgault got emotional as he described Clement’s impact on his life.
“He has taught thousands of students, traveled thousands of miles with FFA judging teams, supervised decades worth of student animal projects at the Mid State Fair, was instrumental in building new agriculture facilities at Paso Robles High School and has touched the lives of hundreds of students, parents and community members,” said his daughter, Heather Clement.
“Mark Clement loves science and has been fascinated with all things flying and space related since he was a little boy. This is his play space helmet from childhood he likes to wear during his space unit in Agriculture Earth Science class,” said Heather Clement.
“He was touched by the amount of FFA students who showed up in uniform to speak about the impact he has made on them. Students also made an incredible slideshow and conducted the FFA opening and closing ceremonies in his honor,” said Heather.
Clement’s students put together a slideshow of his teaching career at the retirement celebration.
Back in 1977 I started my first retail meat cutting job with Scolari markets. Mark was a new Ag teacher at the time and would bring his meats judging team over to judge carcasses in our cooler. He was a good teacher back then and stayed that way through his career. Congrats Mark and hope retirement treats you well.
He was my favorite teacher in school and started me on my career path in agriculture. What a shame that future students will not be able to be mentored by this extraordinary man! Glad I was!
Happy Retirement Mark…. I remember why back when, when we first meet and the seed was planted for you to come to Paso High's Ag program….. and work with Mr. Sullivan…. Congratulations!!!
34 Years ago, Mark was my first ag teacher. Love the guy! Congrats Mark. An ability to put up with kids for so long is a testament to your character 🙂 Rumor has it that you and your slaughter rig still roam the Paso streets; that thing is 31 years young this year!
-Admired from afar, John MacGillivray, Hamilton Montana
He was my favorite teacher of all time. He lead my Opening/Closing team to a first place victory at Cal Poly. He made me love Ag Science. Congratulations Mr Clement!!
I appreciate what Mr. Clement taught my granddaughter, Grace Tavares. She totally came out of a shell in his class…we'll miss the "Drive Through BBQ" too..thanks for your service!!!
WOW, this brings back memories. Some of my best High School memories are riding to and from livestock judging competitions with Mr. Clement. Those were some good times and good memories. Good luck in this new phase of life.
He was such an amazing teacher. Brought humor to it and made it fun. He was my moms teacher back in the day too 🙂
Would never have won the mid state fair 1989 novice sheep showman award without Mr. Clement and Mr. Sullivan's support. They taught me to believe in myself and that, with help, anything is possible. "Fair time is fun time!"
Back in 1977 I started my first retail meat cutting job with Scolari markets. Mark was a new Ag teacher at the time and would bring his meats judging team over to judge carcasses in our cooler. He was a good teacher back then and stayed that way through his career. Congrats Mark and hope retirement treats you well.
He was my favorite teacher in school and started me on my career path in agriculture. What a shame that future students will not be able to be mentored by this extraordinary man! Glad I was!
Happy Retirement Mark…. I remember why back when, when we first meet and the seed was planted for you to come to Paso High's Ag program….. and work with Mr. Sullivan…. Congratulations!!!
34 Years ago, Mark was my first ag teacher. Love the guy! Congrats Mark. An ability to put up with kids for so long is a testament to your character 🙂 Rumor has it that you and your slaughter rig still roam the Paso streets; that thing is 31 years young this year!
-Admired from afar, John MacGillivray, Hamilton Montana
He was my favorite teacher of all time. He lead my Opening/Closing team to a first place victory at Cal Poly. He made me love Ag Science. Congratulations Mr Clement!!
I appreciate what Mr. Clement taught my granddaughter, Grace Tavares. She totally came out of a shell in his class…we'll miss the "Drive Through BBQ" too..thanks for your service!!!
WOW, this brings back memories. Some of my best High School memories are riding to and from livestock judging competitions with Mr. Clement. Those were some good times and good memories. Good luck in this new phase of life.
He was such an amazing teacher. Brought humor to it and made it fun. He was my moms teacher back in the day too 🙂
Would never have won the mid state fair 1989 novice sheep showman award without Mr. Clement and Mr. Sullivan's support. They taught me to believe in myself and that, with help, anything is possible. "Fair time is fun time!"