FROM EDUCATOR TO GRANDPA — Chuck Cline, ag teacher at Edison High School, will end his 24-year career July 31, following retirement and enjoy being a grandpa. -- Contributed

RICHMOND — Chuck Cline has watched the agricultural education program at Edison High School grow throughout his 24-year career.

He will soon be saying goodbye to that program and its students, as he is set to retire in July.

Cline was first introduced to the program as a pupil when he attended Jefferson Union High School. He was active in the Future Farmers of America organization prior to graduating in 1987.

He went on to earn a degree in agricultural sciences — with a dual major in agronomy and ag education — from Ohio State University in 1993.

Cline spent two years teaching ag science at Harrison Career Center and six years instructing ag education at Union Local Schools.

In 2001, he returned to Edison, serving two years as an industrial arts teacher. The curriculum was then converted into the ag program, where Cline worked alongside Jim Dawson and part-time teacher John Grafton. Co-teacher Kristen Truex joined Cline in 2024.

Cline emphasized the longevity of the program, saying the FFA had been in operation since 1963.

Changes have occurred throughout the years, including a fire which destroyed the original agriculture building and greenhouse.

A new building was constructed — minus the greenhouse. Parents fought to maintain the program, as the number of students fell to 42 in 1979. Participation eventually surged in time, totaling 200 pupils in 2005, just two years after the industrial arts and ag program merged together.

“It was the largest high school ag program in Eastern Ohio at that time,” Cline recalled. “John Grafton kept the program open from 1978-79, and we have been continuous since then with two teachers.”

The number of students declined in 2011, dropping to 140; however, a new greenhouse was built in the spring of 2012. It was later demolished and a smaller site added to the current ag building in 2023. Other additions were made, including ith upgrades to the shop such as welding booths, a CNC plasma table and metal-working equipment.

The FFA has had five American FFA Degree recipients, while 20 gained state degrees, Cline noted, adding members have competed in various career development events.

“We have had great success with Top 10 finishes,” Cline said. “Since the 1970s until now, we have had 21 state team awards, with various individuals also making the Top 10, plus four top five finishes in the state, with three being state winners.”

The Edison FFA was lauded for forestry management and wildlife management in 2013.

It was recognized in 1993 for equine management, with a team earning seventh place in equine management this year. The team will travel to the 55th-annual National Arabian Horse Judging Contest in Tulsa, Okla., Oct. 24-25. The event invites FFA, the Arabian Horse Association and collegiate judging teams to participate. Four members of the EHS team will participate.

Cline said the FFA teaches more than just skills. It teaches leadership abilities and incorporates community service.

The school chapter has held a Classic Tractor Show and Car Cruise-in, supported the Wounded Warrior Project and Children’s Hospital with fundraising activities, assisted the Jefferson County Fair Board with projects at the fairgrounds, maintained the school ballfields and bleachers, helped local saddle clubs, took part in Wreaths Across America and conducted Veterans Day breakfast events.

Through it all, Cline has watched his students become effective leaders and good civil stewards.

“We are active in teaching the kids to be part of committee meetings and leadership roles, and being officers in chapter meetings,” Cline concluded.

His days as an educator will end July 21. He will spend the next chapter in his life working on his farm — which is just a stone’s throw from the high school.

He plans to relish in another title other than teacher, too … Grandpa.