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News-Sun photo by CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY Long-time Sebring High School FFA leader Gary Lee was honored at TuesdayÕs school board meeting for his induction into the Florida FFA Hall of Fame.

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published: Friday, November 02, 2012

Gary Lee honored by school board for induction into state FFA Hall of Fame

By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY

christopher.tuffley@newssun.com

SEBRING -- Gary Lee, who for decades has inspired Highlands County students, was inducted into the FFA Hall of Fame Oct. 1. He had been nominated by Hallie Webb, the FFA advisor at Sebring High School, and was caught by surprise.

To a standing ovation, the school board honored him Tuesday night with a special resolution. FFA students turned out as a sign of respect, along with Webb and Gary Dressel, the FFA advisor for Avon Park High School.

Lee taught in Polk and Highlands County for 33 years, serving as agriculture teacher,and coordinator of career and technical education. During those years he shepherded and coached scores of students through the FFA program, becoming a legend.

Although he retired in 2006 as a full-time teacher, he continues to work for the school district part-time as a resource teacher.

"It is harder to be inducted into the FFA Hall of Fame than to make into Cooperstown or Canton," Board chairman Ned Hancock said. Especially on the first nomination.

FFA advisor Dressel agreed. "Half of the people who get (inducted) are deceased. It shows what he's done in his lifetime. I think that's an accomplishment."