DHS agriculture teacher Bill Newsom pauses with next year's FFA officers at his going-away party on Thursday evening at JC Lanes in Dyersburg. Newsom, who has taught Ag at DHS for 17 years, will transfer to Munford High School for the 2008-2009 school year. From left, sentinel Jayme Green, treasurer Chelsea King, Newsom, president Madison Cartwright, vice-president Marilauren Anderson and reporter Kyle Rogers. Officers not pictured, historian Felicia Daniels and secretary Todd Baker.

Dyersburg High School agriculture teacher Bill Newsom was honored on Thursday night with a proper send-off for 17 years of leadership and service to the Ag/FFA program at DHS. A party hosted by his students at J.C. Lanes in Dyersburg featured cosmic bowling, plenty of food and a surprise video of Newsom's years at the school.

With current and former students, parents and community members all joining the celebration to wish the beloved teacher well, the gathering was large and upbeat. Regular bowling rules were amended to allow Newsom to bump any player at any time and bowl in their place.

Newsom has 32 years of teaching under his belt, all serving as an Ag leader. His time at DHS marks the longest tenure of his career, and one that has included all three of his children.

"All three of my daughters have gone through this program," said Newsom. "They were all very active in Ag. All three were state FFA officers and they have all majored in agriculture in college."

Newsom will accompany his DHS students to camp the week of July 7 and then transfer to Munford High School for the 2008-2009 academic year. Munford and DHS share what Newsom calls "a friendly rivalry" in regional FFA competitions, regularly vying against each other for the top school in their category at the end-of-the-year banquet.

Munford's Will Byrd, a graduate of Halls High School, will join the Dyersburg Ag program to lead the students in the 2008-2009 year. Byrd did his student teaching in the Dyersburg program three years ago.

"We have had a lot of fun times with Mr. Newsom," said 2008-2009 DHS FFA vice-president Marilauren Anderson.

"He was very fun," said FFA president Madison Cartwright. "He was always energetic and ready to go."

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Students cited Newsom's dry humor and good-natured attitude as things they will miss about him.

"I will miss the kids," said Newsom. "They are great kids and I have had good support from parents, businesses and the community. I'd like to thank all of the people who have helped make my job easier through the years. I know they will continue to support the program with the new leadership."

"(The students) have learned a lot," said parent Rachel Cartwright. "They've had a close relationship. He will be missed."