Skip to main content
The Farm: Commemorate Ag Instructor and FFA Advisor, Ross Hamilton

The Farm: Commemorate Ag Instructor and FFA Advisor, Ross Hamilton

145 signatures 105 to reach 250
H
Heather K. signed
S
Someone signed
C
Coral B. signed
J
Jan S. signed
S
Steve T. signed
T
Tammy G. signed
K
Katie P. signed
C
Christopher M. signed
R
Robi M. signed
B
Brett H. signed
KM
Started by Kellie Might Hamilton 9 years, 8 months ago

This petition shows the support of our community in favor of renaming the Shasta Union High School District Farm in memory of a prominent, recently deceased Agricultural Instructor and FFA Advisor, Ross Gene Hamilton.

Proposed name: SUHSD Ross Hamilton Agricultural Center

Noteworthy:

The Shasta Union High School District’s Farm Buildings differ from most of the District’s other buildings in that it is not located on any “one” District campus. It is exclusive to Agriculture, Horticulture, and/or Industrial Technology.

The term Farm in the current name, may be considered a bit simplistic in its description of the Education received at this District location, whereas; Agricultural Center encompasses a broader range of the activities and is an accurate reflection of the scope and diversity of the program.

This change will have a positive impact on attracting students to the program and raise the visibility of the program in terms of recognition and collaboration on grants, as well as steer students in the direction of future educational opportunities in Agriculture. Simply stated, Agricultural Center more clearly represents the curriculum at this location.

There are no curriculum changes required as a result of this name change. To the contrary, the curriculum has long ago evolved from basic farming to Agriculture. The term Farm has connotations of the trades, as though a graduate may only be a farmer. Agriculture as a profession moves the focus to more than just farming, and incorporates management, leadership, and business.

Although, it is difficult to tell what the overall consensus on campus might be on the proposed name change, the support of the idea has been overwhelmingly positive. Other District buildings have successfully been named after prominent community members.

Ross Gene Hamilton’s contributions to the Students, District, and Community were significant, and meet the criteria outlined by the District for naming a school building and/or facility in honor of his memory. Acknowledgment in this manner perpetuates the memory of his contribution and provides a sense of history for future students, staff, and residents.

Ross’ Biography:

Born in August of 1947, Ross attended elementary school in Orland, CA, high school in Durham, CA, and graduated from California State University, Chico, with a degree in Agriculture.

Ross was honored to serve his country in Vietnam as a proud member of the United States Marine Corps.

Ross was best known and beloved in the community for devoting 34 years to the public schools as an Agriculture Instructor and FFA Advisor for Shasta Union High School District, all taught at the same location: The Farm. During this time, and to his delight, many of his students were the children of previous students. Over his career, he received countless accolades from fellow teachers, institutions, dignitaries, farmers, and families. However, what gave him the most pleasure, and comfort later in life, were the lifelong friendships and memories made. Ross retired from teaching in 2009, to pursue his dream of owning his own ranch.

Ross was an honest, loyal, big-hearted, generous man, who lived life fully, and on his own terms.

Ross passed away on January 19, 2016. He will be forever remembered and missed by all of us.

Updates

November 12, 2016

The emails to the board remain unanswered and I am exhausted by the slow pace of this process. Still I keep reading the memories you leave here because reminding them of who Ross was is the only way we move forward.

November 12, 2016

Reaching this point has been a long and draining road. Seeing this level of backing for Ross reminds me why I started this even when the progress felt invisible.

Reached 100 supporters

November 12, 2016

48 Comments

P
Peter Houtman
9 years ago Featured

I worked with Ross for almost 20 years he was a great person and worked hard for his students. He along with Don Wolford put on some of the best Tri Tip and Crab dinners ever.

L
Lisa Short
9 years ago Featured

He was the best teacher I have ever had. I will never forget him. He help me learn so much about plants to animals. Because of take his class for all 4 years of high school. I raise my own chickens & get to share it all with my son. My aunts, uncle & dad was even in his class when they were in high school. RIP Mr Hamilton.. You are loved by so many & you will be very missed & never forgotten

W
William G Loveridge
9 years ago Featured

Ross was a well-liked and respected member of the agricultural education community. As a former colleague I strongly endorse the proposed name change.

A
Anonymous
9 years ago Featured

Shasta district farm wouldn't be anything without Ross's hard work,blood,sweet,tears and the most important part love for the high school and teaching kids RIP Ross

J
Jayson Wayne Jones
9 years ago Featured

I was a student at "The Farm" from 1996 to 2000, and Mr Hamilton was more than a teacher. He was a life mentor to myself as well as many of his students. This is a vary fitting tribute to honor one of the best educators SUHSD will ever have.

T
Trina Coffey
9 years ago Featured

Ross was hands down the best teacher my son ever had. Ross taught him not only the required curriculum but values he will hold true throughout his life.

J
Jan Skipitis Greg Skipitis
9 years ago

Do this!

S
Steve Titus
9 years ago

A great man.

Help this petition grow

Share it with friends to help reach 250 signatures.

Sign Petition

We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.

or sign with Email

Add a comment?

Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.

By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Share Petition

Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact

Copy link or share directly

Instagram
QR Code