Amboy Ag Teacher Keeps Program Steady

Joseph Heavner maintains consistent enrollment and offerings in Amboy High School's agriculture program.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Joseph Heavner, the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Amboy High School in Illinois, has kept the school's agriculture program on a steady course. Around half of Amboy's over 200 students are enrolled in at least one agriculture class, with total enrollment in the program hovering around 105 students. Heavner has maintained a robust curriculum of over a dozen agriculture classes, and the school recently added a second agriculture teacher to help meet student demand. The Amboy FFA chapter has also seen continued success, with several members serving in leadership roles at the section and state levels.

Why it matters

In a time of declining enrollment in many rural school districts, Amboy High School's agriculture program has managed to maintain consistent participation. This speaks to the program's value and relevance to the local community. The program's steady leadership and continued investment in facilities and equipment also ensure that Amboy students have access to a high-quality agricultural education.

The details

Amboy High School's agriculture program offers over a dozen classes, ranging from year-long introductory courses to semester-long electives in areas like welding, construction, sales, animal science, and horticulture. The school recently added a second agriculture teacher, Kelly Viall, to help manage the high demand for these classes. Viall also teaches agriculture courses at the junior high school level, helping to build the pipeline into the high school program.

  • Heavner has been the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Amboy High School for 6 years.
  • Amboy High School has over 200 students, with around 105 enrolled in agriculture classes.
  • The school added a second agriculture teacher, Kelly Viall, this year.

The players

Joseph Heavner

The agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Amboy High School, who has maintained a steady course for the program over the past 6 years.

Kelly Viall

The new agriculture teacher at Amboy High School, who also teaches agriculture classes at the junior high school level.

Natalie Pratt

A graduate of the Amboy agriculture program and alumna of Amboy FFA, who currently serves as the Illinois FFA state president.

Emma Dinges

An alumna of the Amboy agriculture program and Amboy FFA, who served as the Illinois FFA state treasurer in 2024-25.

Grace Althaus

An Amboy senior who currently serves as the Illinois FFA Section 2 reporter.

Jake Dinges

An Amboy senior who currently serves as the Illinois FFA Section 2 treasurer.

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What they’re saying

“As far as how the program has changed, I think it's more that it has stayed steady.”

— Joseph Heavner, Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor, Amboy High School (shawlocal.com)

“Around half the building, at some point in the school day, comes to an ag class, and a good number of those students we see multiple times a day.”

— Joseph Heavner, Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor, Amboy High School (shawlocal.com)

“Now, with Mrs. Viall, we are able to offer almost every ag class we have at least once a year. It also makes it more manageable for the ag classes because now, instead of 20 plus students, we have manageable numbers.”

— Joseph Heavner, Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor, Amboy High School (shawlocal.com)

What’s next

The Amboy agriculture program plans to continue upgrading its facilities and equipment to provide students with the best possible learning opportunities.

The takeaway

Amboy High School's agriculture program has maintained a steady course, with consistent enrollment and a robust curriculum, thanks to the leadership of teacher Joseph Heavner. The program's success in developing student leaders and providing hands-on learning opportunities highlights the value of agricultural education in rural communities.