Buck Lewis recognized for decades of service to Cashmere students

CASHMERE — A familiar face in the Cashmere High School ag shop has received regional recognition for more than two decades of service to local students.

Buck Lewis, a longtime volunteer in the school's Career and Technical Education program, was honored June 11 with the Educational Service District's Friend of Children Award during the district's end-of-school-year and retirement luncheon.

Lewis has volunteered in the Cashmere High School Ag Shop for more than 25 years, sharing the skills and knowledge he developed during a career that included service as a machinist in the U.S. Navy and employment with Wells and Wade and Alcoa.

According to a nomination submitted by Cashmere High School staff, Lewis has spent much of his retirement working alongside students in the school's agricultural mechanics program. He volunteers in multiple classes each school day, helping teach machining, fabrication and other technical skills while assisting students with projects and career development.

Career and Technical Education Director Rebecca Swanson said Lewis' dedication has had a lasting impact on generations of students.

The nomination notes that more than 25 percent of Chelan County PUD's hydromechanics workforce began their career training under Lewis' guidance in the Cashmere ag shop.

Agricultural mechanics instructor Jed Odenrider described Lewis as an exceptional educator whose influence extends well beyond the classroom.

“Buck is one of the best natural teachers I have ever seen,” Odenrider wrote in the nomination. “Many kids would have dropped out of school if not for Buck and the skills he has taught them.”

Odenrider also credited Lewis with helping fabricate replacement parts for school equipment that could no longer be purchased and turning community and school projects into hands-on learning opportunities for students.

In addition to his daily volunteer work in the ag shop, Lewis has served on the Cashmere School District's CTE Advisory Board for the past 25 years, helping guide programs designed to prepare students for careers in skilled trades and technical fields.

School officials said Lewis' commitment has helped ensure that Cashmere students continue to have access to high-quality career and technical education opportunities.

The Lewis family's volunteer spirit extends beyond the high school campus. Buck's wife, Gladys Lewis, has also devoted years of service as a volunteer at Vale Elementary School.

School officials said the award recognizes Lewis' longstanding dedication to students, educators and the Cashmere community.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media