CANTON – Long-time agriculture teacher at Hugh C. Williams High School is the recipient of a $50,000 award for teaching excellence from Harbor Freight Tools.

Carol Wright, agriculture mechanics teacher, has been awarded the 2024 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, receiving $15,000 for herself and $35,000 for her school's agricultural mechanics program.

Wright is one of 25 teachers nationwide recognized for excellence in skilled trades education.

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence honors high school skilled trades teachers who equip students with critical, hands-on skills in fields like agricultural mechanics, construction, welding, and more. Wright’s dedication to guiding students toward successful careers in industrial trades has earned her this recognition, highlighting the importance of skilled trades education in filling the growing demand for a skilled workforce. This year, 25 teachers across the U.S. are sharing $1.5 million in cash prizes, according to a Harbor Freight press release.

Harbor Freight Tools for Schools is a program of The Smidt Foundation, established by Harbor Freight Tools owner and founder Eric Smidt, to advance excellent skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools. With a deep respect for the dignity of these fields and for the intelligence and creativity of people who work with their hands, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools aims to drive a greater understanding of and investment in skilled trades education, believing that access to quality skilled trades education gives high school students pathways to graduation, opportunity, good jobs and a workforce our country needs. Harbor Freight Tools is a major supporter of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools program. For more information, visit: HFTforschools.org