Payette, Idaho – In a surprise ceremony held in the school’s career‑training education building, Payette High teacher Tyson Smith was presented with a $75,000 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools award. The grant, part of a national program that has awarded more than $10 million since 2017, recognizes Smith’s two‑decade commitment to agricultural welding education.
Local recognition for a dedicated educator
Smith, who earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho, returned to his alma mater to teach the next generation of welders and fabricators. During an evacuation drill on Tuesday morning, he was escorted to the ceremony, where students greeted him with pom‑poms, signs reading “best teacher ever,” and chants of “I love you Mr. Smith!”
“I was completely surprised,” Smith said, expressing gratitude for the community’s support. He emphasized that the true reward is watching his students succeed, but added that the grant will enable significant upgrades to the program’s equipment.
How the award will be used
With the $75,000 prize, Smith plans to replace an aging CNC plasma cutter and introduce laser welding capabilities to the CTE curriculum. “We’re going to upgrade our CNC plasma cutter and bring in laser welding,” he explained. The new tools will help students meet modern industry standards and give them hands‑on experience with technology that is increasingly used in skilled trades.
Smith also highlighted the importance of community investment in career‑trade education, especially as artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in the workforce. “Trades and industry may utilize some AI technology, but it still hasn’t replaced hands‑on work,” he said.
Support from family and former mentors
Smith’s wife, Amanda Smith, a district administrator for Payette schools, surprised him with flowers and praised his dedication. “He dedicates a lot of time and energy to the kids,” she said. Former Payette High teacher Keith Hyatt, who taught Smith in the 1990s, attended the ceremony and praised Smith’s ability to connect with students who need a steady mentor.
“He works well with all kinds of students, but the kids that need somebody to hang on to, he’s the guy they hang on to,” Hyatt said.
Student reactions
Students echoed the sentiment, with sophomore Carlie Gepford calling Smith “one of the best teachers at the school” and saying the award was “definitely deserved.”
Harbor Freight Tools for Schools received 569 applications from 49 states this year and will distribute a total of $2 million to educators nationwide. Smith is the only Idaho recipient and the second ever from the state since the program began.
The award underscores the value of career‑technical education in Idaho’s rural communities, where hands‑on training prepares young people for well‑paying, in‑demand jobs. As Smith prepares to bring new equipment to Payette High, students and families look forward to expanded opportunities in welding, fabrication, and related trades.
Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.
