Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, was named legislator of the year by District 3 members of the Washington Association of Agricultural Educators. The Washington Association of Agricultural Educators is an association of Career and Technical Education Teachers who teach agricultural and natural resource classes and work as advisors to Future Farmers of America groups.

“I am honored to receive this award from local educators, and equally honored to be their voice in the Legislature,” said MacEwen. “Rural districts face many challenges, and I am committed to being a vocal advocate for their needs. I proudly stand in support of improving access and opportunity for students in career and technical education. Our economy depends on students embracing their diverse skills and talents as they prepare to contribute to the workforce and it is their teachers who help them achieve their full potential. Even with the historic investments we made this year, I am committed to fighting for the best possible K-12 system for students and teachers.”

MacEwen received the award and met with students and faculty at Shelton’s Oakland Bay Junior High School.

“Without the support of representatives like Drew, we could not offer our students the wide variety of opportunities to excel and prepare them to be productive citizens who can earn a living wage,” said Roy Conover, a teacher at Oakland Bay and the award’s presenter. “Learning is just not books and paper. Learning needs to include hands-on experiences in fields that will ensure students are equipped to enter a profession when they graduate high school. The support for CTE is essential to guarantee students are truly career and college ready.”

District 3 of the Washington Association of Agricultural Educators is comprised of communities in southwestern Washington, including Shelton.

PHOTO CAPTION: Rep. Drew MacEwen receives the Legislator of the Year Award from Ray Conover, a teacher at Oakland Bay Junior High School, Shelton.