Four former SSISD agriculture teachers named to Hall of Fame

Four of Sulphur Springs' most respected agriculture science teachers have been have been selected for additional distinction — induction into Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas' Hall of Fame.

Together, these four men dedicated more than 130 years of service to Sulphur Springs ISD. For their many efforts, not only have Danny Johnson, John Boles, Tom Howell and Dan Froneberger have been selected to the Hall ATAT Hall of Fame.

The ATAT Hall of Fame is designed to recognize and honor nominated agricultural science teachers for their commendable careers.

Recognized Friday, July 28, were retired SSISD ag teachers Danny Johnson, John Boles, Tom Howell and Dan Froneberger.

Johnson was honored for 45 years of dedicated service, the last 36 of which were at SSISD; he retired in 2015.

When talking to the News-Telegram at the time of his retirement, Johnson had worked with all three of the other nominees in one capacity or another over the years. Like many others before him, he considered both Boles and Howell to be more like family than colleagues.

Boles dedicated 35 years and Howell 29 years toward educating youth about agriculture.

Boles and Howell have passed away, but their families were invited to witness this prestigious honor.

A few years ago, after 25 years teaching agriculture, opted to Froneberger shift gears, putting some of the skills he's taught over the years to work in a different capacity at — as SSISD maintenance director Froneberger has continued to be involved and help out with the agriculture programs, particularly the annual build-off and other special projects.

He was one of the individuals who nominated the three other former SSISD educators for the Hall of Fame honor. However, those working with Froneberger were also working for him.

“As I was working on paperwork to get Mr. Howell, Mr. Boles, and Mr. Johnson nominated, former students, along with my son and daughter, were nominating me. I had no idea,” Mr. Froneberger said, both surprised and honored.

Froneberger was an ag teacher from 1990 to 2002 in Winona, and from 2003 to 2015 in SSISD. He also taught ag structures at Texas A&M University-Commerce and welding at Paris Junior College at night.

Froneberger continues to serve as maintenance director for SSISD.

When Sulphur Springs ISD Communications Coordinator Angela Grimes asked Froneberger to talk a little about his 25-year career as an ag teacher, he mostly boasted of his former students. He explained how they made surgery tables for horses that traveled as far as California, trailers, and hydraulic equipment. As is often the case with ag teachers, Froneberger proudly noted former students’ impressive careers and accomplishments — fighter pilots, U.S. Army Parachuting Golden Knights, an Army Ranger, eight American Farmers, countless students ag teachers, and even some who ended up welding as far as Hawaii and Kuwait.

Froneberger traveled to some amazing places with students throughout his career, and grinned when thinking about exhausting nights when school projects kept them sleeping in the shop to finish them on time for a show.

“It’s a neat career … neat career,' Froneberger concluded with a quiet, thoughtful smile.

'Sulphur Springs ISD extends appreciates our past and present ag teachers. If you have never been witness to an ag teacher’s schedule throughout the year, it is difficult to understand the devotion and commitment it takes to hold this title. Congratulations and thank you to the four ATAT Hall of Fame inductees and their families,' Grimes stated in an announcement about the four Hall of Famers.

'Thank you to our current ag teachers that go above and beyond each year to instill work ethic, teach trades that can form futures, foster leadership skills, and devote so much time to the students of SSISD,' Grimes added.