HULSHOF TEACHES USING THE OUTDOORS

BENTON -- The outdoors is the classroom for Kelly High School teacher Tom Hulshof.

Hulshof has taught vocational agriculture courses at Kelly for the past eight years. The unique teaching environment provides many opportunities to challenge students using realistic learning materials, he said.

"Hands-on activities allow students to take information they have learned in the classroom and apply that knowledge in a real-world situation," said Hulshof. "By allowing students to make their own decisions and learn from their mistakes, they are gaining valuable skills that will prepare them for college or a job after they graduate from high school."

Under Hulshof's guidance, students this year have grown some 200 poinsettias in the school's greenhouse.

Over the course of the year, students have seen the seeds they planted in the fall grow into a product that could be sold.

"The most rewarding part of my job is seeing students develop self-confidence and show pride when they have done a good job," he said. "Just as they watch their seeds grow and develop, I am watching my students grow from the time they are freshmen until they become seniors."

Hulshof is active in the Oran Knights of Columbus, Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association, and St. Denis Parish Council.

He enjoys golf, basketball, football, baseball and farming.

He is married to Cindy Hulshof.