Beatrice Public Schools honors FFA teacher, students, business partner and retirees

The Beatrice Public Schools Board of Education on May 12 publicly recognized staff, students and a community partner.

Administrators and a foundation representative presented agriculture teacher Colton Houssa as employee of the month, citing his work as Beatrice High School’s agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor, his support for students in leadership development events (LDEs), career development events (CDEs) and state and national competitions, and his willingness to start early and accompany students to events. The board said his leadership helped rebuild the high‑school agriculture program.

Student members of the FFA introduced themselves and administrators noted the chapter’s activities this year, including 48 members at the high‑school level, district and state qualifiers in contests, and participation in national convention and leadership conferences.

The board recognized Black Hills Energy as business friend of the month for donating 45 trees to an elementary school Earth Day planting and for organizing the event with district staff; administrators said the donation supported environmental stewardship education and included a safety demonstration of the 811 digging protocol.

Administrators read a list of retirees and years of service, thanking staff who will leave the district at the school year’s end. Retirees listed in the meeting record included Beth Ingalls (accompanist, 9 years), Michelle Bloom (28 years; not present), Gus Brown (4 years), Joanne Doyle Workman (35 years), Karen Gardner (25 years), Darcy Harrelson (6 years) and Ron Kastmeyer (28 years). The administration said the combined total equals 135 years of service and presented gifts in thanks.

The recognitions segment concluded with the board thanking all honorees and encouraging continued community involvement.