Clements, SJE teacher will retire after 30-year career

By Madysen McLain

Gazette Reporter

Bob Clements, St. John/Endicott ag teacher, will retire this year following a 29-year career for the St. John/Endicott High School.

Clements said he began teaching after he farmed for four years in the Endicott area and obtained his college degree. A close friend, who had farmed with Clements, recommended he become the ag teacher for St. John/Endicott.

“I wanted to do something close to farming,” Clements said. “Becoming an ag teacher was as close as I could get.”

He also taught ag in Tekoa for one year.

Aside from teaching about agriculture and vocational studies, Clements spent 30 years as the Future Farmers of America advisor. He also spent 25 years coaching football and basketball.

Clements has taken students to the FFA national convention 23 times in his career.

“It's really cool being able to take kids [to the convention], especially kids who have never flown before,” he said.

Clements said his favorite memory of coaching was when the football team won the 1B state title in 2006.

He said he plans to help a local farmer after his retirement.

“St. John/Endicott is a great place to raise kids, and working with the kids was a great experience,” Clements said.