On Monday, August 21, 2023, the Lake Hamilton School District Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution naming the Melvin Daniel Lake Hamilton High School FFA Farm. Melvin's daughter, Melissa Anthony, as well as many other family members, friends, and FFA supporters, were on hand to witness the passing of the resolution. The resolution can be found below.
WHEREAS, the FFA Creed begins with the statement, “I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds - achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years”; and
WHEREAS, Melvin Daniel's lifelong commitment to the Lake Hamilton School community has revolved around nurturing future agriculturists and fostering responsible citizens through unwavering dedication to Lake Hamilton School District's students, staff, and community. While serving as the esteemed agriculture teacher at Lake Hamilton High School for 33 years, Melvin Daniel has left a lasting impact on both the school and the community. His remarkable contributions stem from a profound passion for agricultural education, manifesting in relentless dedication and commitment; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education acknowledges the importance of recognizing exceptional educators who have made a lasting impact on the lives of students and the school community; Melvin Daniel’s very successful career was given to education. He taught vocational agriculture at Glenwood High School for 2 years, at Lake Hamilton High School for 33 years, and at Foreman High School for 1½ years, then worked for the University of Arkansas Extension service for 6½ years; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of four decades, Melvin Daniel has offered hands-on/minds-on learning experiences to students in agriculture and skilled trades, guiding numerous graduates into successful careers; and
WHEREAS, Melvin Daniel has selflessly given of himself in order to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in life; and
WHEREAS, Melvin Daniel's leadership and mentorship have made a lasting impression on the students and colleagues he guided, instilling in them a deep sense of pride, responsibility, and community engagement. His influence will forever be remembered by those fortunate enough to have worked with him and/or call him a friend; and
WHEREAS, Melvin Daniel's impact continues to extend far beyond the classroom, as he has inspired countless Lake Hamilton students, staff, and community members to embrace leadership roles in their communities, professions, and service; and
WHEREAS, Melvin Daniel exemplified the FFA Motto “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, and Living to Serve." On many occasions, he purchased livestock for students and allowed them to house the animals on his farm because they had no space for them or money to invest in their project. These students would return the purchase amount when the animal was sold; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education acknowledges the importance of recognizing exceptional educators who have made a lasting impact on the lives of students and the school community;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Lake Hamilton School District officially names the school farm the "Melvin Daniel Lake Hamilton High School FFA Farm" to honor and perpetuate the memory of Melvin Daniel's remarkable contributions to agricultural education and his enduring legacy of excellence. The naming of the school farm in Melvin Daniel’s honor recognizes and celebrates his desire and determination that students have a place to practice hands-on agriculture production in order for them to learn responsibility and build confidence, and that a commemorative plaque bearing Melvin Daniel's name, image and a description of his contributions be prominently displayed at the farm to serve as a perpetual reminder of his significant role in shaping the future at Lake Hamilton School District.