Lee Vetter, the professional agriculture teacher at Yuma High School, is the recipient of the 2021 Bank of Colorado Teacher of the Year Award.
Vetter has been an Ag teacher at YHS for 15 years.
Director Brady Nighswonger wrote the nomination letter. It read in part:
“There is no doubt that this has been the toughest year for any educator due to COVID, but our vocational education department, led by Lee Vetter, has continued to strive to provide opportunities for students in a year of uncertainty. This year, especially for Lee, was even more difficult when he endured the loss of his father while teaching in a pandemic.YHS vo-ag teacher Lee Vetter receives the Teacher of the Year Award from the President of the Yuma Bank of Colorado Branch, Dan Seedorf. (Courtesy photo)
“During his years at Yuma High School, Lee Vetter saw his students progress through his hands-on curriculum and saw the skills he learned in class country jobs and educational opportunities. Often times, when you walk through his shop and observe his face-to-face teaching methods, you will find that Lee is working side by side with a student on a project that will benefit our district. He instills pride and respect in his students by letting them develop a project that they are proud of and that they will proudly showcase on our campus. Her latest project was the ticket office on the soccer field of Yuma High School. At the new booth, the students had to do frames, electrical installations, drywall, tape and mud, hang up siding and install a roof. This hands-on experience is just one example of how useful and useful Mr. Vetter’s educational environment is not only for our students but also for our community.
“COVID has stolen so many opportunities from our teachers and students, but FFA has been able to navigate difficult times with Mr. Vetter’s guidance to ensure normalcy at traditional events. Students could still attend most of the annual FFA events, including the working auction, which generates funds to provide scholarships to graduating seniors. In a year when everyone was facing an overwhelming financial burden, Mr. Vetter excitingly revealed that through fundraising efforts and community support, they had given over $ 25,000 in scholarships to YHS graduates in 2021.
“The 2020 school year was abruptly sent to distance learning when the pandemic broke out last year. For classes like Lee’s and a student body that learns by working with their hands, this was a lose-lose situation won by the Yuma School District from the exceptional teaching of teachers like Lee Vetter. “
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