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Rod Cool – A Legacy of Leadership, Agriculture, and Heart If you grew up in rural Washington and ever zipped up a blue corduroy FFA jacket, odds are the name Rod Cool means something to you. For nearly four decades, Mr. Cool didn’t just teach agriculture—he built programs, cultivated communities, and mentored thousands of students across the state, leaving behind a legacy that will live far beyond the classroom. A 1982 graduate of Chelan High School, Rod’s roots in the valley run deep. His grandfather came west from the Midwest at just 11 years old—riding a train to Seattle and then continuing on horseback over the Cascades to Manson, where he staked out a homestead and later sent for his younger brothers and parents. That same grit, independence, and pioneering spirit runs through Rod’s veins to this day. Rod earned his Associate of Arts from Spokane Community College, then completed his Bachelor of Science and Master’s of Science in Agricultural Education from Washington State University, where his graduate work focused on the power of FFA leadership to enhance student self-esteem. His passion for agricultural education led to a career spanning five high schools across Washington: Selkirk High School (1987–1990) Zillah High School (1990–1993) Wenatchee High School (1993–2002) Chelan High School (2002–2017) Quincy High School (2017–2021) At each stop, Rod did more than teach; he built programs that trained students in everything from Ag Mechanics to Ag Communications, Horticulture to Natural Resources, Food Science to Livestock Judging. His students competed—and won—at the highest levels in Career Development Events (CDEs) and Leadership Development Events (LDEs) across the state and nation. His resume is stacked with decades of coaching championship FFA teams in areas like Horse Evaluation, Forestry, Apple Judging, Meats, Job Interview, Creed Speaking, Ag Sales, Ag Mechanics, and Farm Business Management. He also oversaw countless Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects, helped write award applications, organized fairs and fundraisers, and instilled in his students a sense of purpose, discipline, and pride. Rod's impact went far beyond agriculture. He was named Lake Chelan School District Certificated Employee of the Year (2014) and received recognition from Rotary International as a Paul Harris Fellow (twice). He earned multiple “Ag Teacher of the Year” awards, was a National Finalist for Agriscience Teacher of the Year, and held leadership roles within the Washington Association of Agriculture Educators (WAAE), including committee secretary and district president. Outside of school, Rod was a fixture in the community. He chaired the Lake Chelan PRCA Rodeo Committee for over two decades, served on the Chelan County Fair Board, Grant County Fair Livestock Committee, and NCW Jr. Livestock Show Board, and held leadership roles with the Washington State Farm Bureau, Cattlemen’s Association, and American Quarter Horse Association. Whether judging livestock, hauling show animals, or chaperoning state conventions, Rod’s life has always revolved around youth, agriculture, and service. But behind all the accolades was a man deeply committed to his family. Rod was married to his beloved wife Cherrie for 36 years until her passing in 2024. Together they raised two children—Tucker (34) and Sammi Jo (32)—and today Rod is a proud grandfather of six. He still lives in Chelan and continues to mentor others, stay involved in agricultural circles, and give back to the community that shaped him. To the students who called him "Mr. Cool," he was far more than a teacher—he was a guide, a cheerleader, a safe place, and a spark. He believed in kids before they believed in themselves. He modeled hard work, loyalty, and humility. And his greatest reward wasn’t a plaque or a title—it was seeing a student succeed in the ring, in the classroom, or in life. https://youtu.be/VWbBIkMnqy0?si=brJoNJF7YxLwN7Kw