Clovis East High ag department will name barn after longtime teacher and FFA coach

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- The agriculture department at Clovis East is robust and serves all six high schools in the district.

"We see about 750 students in our program each year, and we offer courses in agriculture, mechanics and engineering, animal science, plant science and horticulture and Agriculture Sciences," Clovis East Ag Dept. Chair Jennifer Knight said.

Knight is a product of the program herself.

She says the eight ag teachers on staff help set the students up for success.

Junior Hope Cline agrees.



She says the program isn't just about growing crops. It's about growing people.

"All advisors here, they truly have a heart for FFA in helping students," Cline said. "I feel like they cover all of it, whether it's the competition side, LDE side or just overall, just being that backbone to other student success."

The staff's hard work has a proven track record.

Four of its teachers were recently honored as regional outstanding teachers by the California Agriculture Teachers Association.

Aireal Covey - CUSD Crystal Award Recipient, CUSD Exceptional Person Award, San Joaquin Region CATA Outstanding Horticulture Teacher

Jennifer Knight - San Joaquin Region CATA President, San Joaquin Region CATA Outstanding Animal Science Teacher

Kaylee Santos - San Joaquin Region CATA Outstanding Agriscience Teacher

Martha Marin - San Joaquin Region CATA Outstanding Plant Science Teacher

Greg Ravy - East Fresno Madera Section CATA Teacher of Excellence

Emily Faraone - CATA State Teacher of Excellence, East Fresno Madera CATA Sectional Officer

Knight says the program's legacy of success has been driven by people like Ken Dias.



Now retired after nearly 40 years, the former ag teacher and FFA coach has won more national titles than any other coach in the district.

Most recently, he helped lead the meat evaluation team to a national title for the 12th time.

Sophomore Kenny Dias and Senior Faith Collup were part of that team.

"He's so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what he does. He would make the most boring topics exciting," Collup said.



Now, his contributions are set to be permanently recognized as the district names a barn after him.

Kenny, who happens to be Dias's grandson, says his grandfather has earned the honor.

"He was the beef advisor for a while. He taught shop, taught animal sciences and all that, and so it's just nice to see that he's getting rewarded for it," Kenny said.

Knight says she hopes the ag program continues to be a place for students to explore new interests and excel.

"Our students work hard, and our teachers work hard," Knight said. "We challenge each other, and it's important to us to do everything with excellence and put our best foot forward to make our community proud."



The official barn naming and sign reveal to recognize Mr. Dias is scheduled for Thursday evening.

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