Georgia Forestry Foundation Partners with Huber Engineered Woods to Name Les Bateson the 2026 Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year

FORSYTH, Ga., Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF), in partnership with Huber Engineered Woods, is proud to recognize 15-year agriculture education veteran Les Bateson of Wheeler County High School in Alamo, Georgia, as the 2026 Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year. The award honors a Georgia classroom educator who goes above and beyond to teach students why the state's forests matter to the environment, the economy and Georgia's heritage.

This prestigious award honors a Georgia classroom educator who has demonstrated exceptional dedication in teaching students about the importance of Georgia's forests to our environment, economy and our heritage.

"It's a true honor to be recognized with this award. Forestry has been part of my life since I was a student myself. My goal is for every student who walks through my classroom to leave with a real understanding of how much Georgia's forests matter, and maybe even a spark that turns into a career," said Les Bateson, Wheeler County High School Teacher and recipient of the 2026 Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year Award.

Bateson has built a forestry program at Wheeler County High School that gives students hands-on experience in tree identification, forest measurement, reforestation, prescribed burning and timber stand improvement by working with partners like the Georgia Forestry Commission. Under his leadership, Wheeler County's FFA chapter won the 2023 Forestry Field Day state championship, and its Land Evaluation team took the state title and will represent Georgia at the National Land and Range Judging Contest in Oklahoma this May. Several of his students have gone on to careers in forestry.

"Bateson's hands-on teaching methods provide valuable and engaging opportunities for students to immerse themselves in forestry," said Matt Hestad, senior vice president of the Georgia Forestry Association and Foundation. "He works hard to connect his students directly to the business of forestry by partnering with organizations that give students hands-on skills and exposure to real careers. His work is a testament to the influence of great teaching on the future of our industry."

Bateson was recognized for his achievement at the Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) 2026 Annual Conference and Forestry Expo, held in July. Attendees, who work in all parts of the forestry supply chain, celebrated his contributions to forestry education and recognized his role in shaping the future of forestry in Georgia.

"Huber understands the importance of industry partnerships in supporting education, and we are pleased to sponsor the Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year Award," said John Mullis of Huber Engineered Woods. "We congratulate Les Bateson for his commitment and tireless efforts to create a passion for forestry in the next generation."

The Forestry Teacher of the Year Award recognizes outstanding agriculture educators who help students understand the business of growing, managing and harvesting trees—an industry that supplies more than 5,000 everyday products and supports $59.4 billion in economic activity and more than 177,000 jobs across Georgia. Applications open each spring. Learn more at gffgrow.org/toty.

About the Georgia Forestry Foundation

The Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF), established in 1990, is a 501(c)(3) organization that acts as the educational arm of the Georgia Forestry Association. Their mission is to sustain Georgia's forests through funding and support of leadership development, policy studies, and education to enhance the economic, environmental, and community value of working forests for Georgia. For more information, visit www.gfagrow.org.

About Huber Engineered Woods

Building products innovator Huber Engineered Woods LLC has a reputation built on consistent product performance and commitment to people. Fueled by on-the-jobsite analysis and building science principles, AdvanTech® subflooring, ZIP System™ building enclosures and EXACOR™ product solutions have changed the way construction teams build better buildings. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, the company has manufacturing facilities in Maine, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee and Oklahoma and dedicated R&D facilities in Commerce, Ga. Huber Engineered Woods is a subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corporation. Visit huberwood.com to learn more.

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SOURCE Georgia Forestry Foundation