Shane Crafton of Henrietta, Texas was recently honored at the Henrietta Chamber of Commerce as Individual of the Year. Each year the selection committee looks for evidence in the following criteria: Involvement in the community, support to the HCC, high ethical principles; deemed to have gone “above and beyond” in this last year.
According to the speech that was read at the awards banquet, “this individual exhibits many qualities such as a strong work ethic in the Henrietta community – not 8-5 M-F…more like 5-8 : 7 days a week – 12 months per year, demonstrates a commitment of excellence in many and all endeavors pursued, possesses a wide range of abilities and talents ranging from practical to technical, demonstrates leadership and is a positive role model to the lives of many, is of service to the Henrietta & CC community as well as the spiritual community, in work and play, is devoted to family, be it spouse, children, or parents and is the attentive friend everyone hopes to hold dear in life.”
The city of Henrietta is located east of Wichita Falls, Texas and is home to the caboose, which is located on the downtown square, has been the Chamber of Commerce for years. With all its historic charm, the caboose has been needy of repairs for last few years. One by one the repairs were planned accordingly and carried out by Crafton. 2008 brought a fresh coat of much needed paint, 2009 brought a new set of desperately needed stairwells, and 2010 brought the makeover that kicked our curb appeal to the next level.
This individual never winced – never batted an eye – never backed down – and thankfully never backed out. He never committed to hours or dollars, but to a job well done. With the help of a former Ag student, his wife, his children, and the leaders of tomorrow you know as, the Henrietta Ag-Science Officers, the Chamber’s vision was turned into a reality & infused with the energy of what community is all about.
Crafton is described by the Henrietta community as an individual that represents vitality and has a work ethic that is the cornerstone of the community, he defines a giving spirit and sets a standard for others to follow, he has the ability to lead by example in a meaningful approach and is that unique educator and leader with the ability to teach our next generation how to contribute to community and thrive in the same way that he shines.
Shane Crafton graduated from May High School in 1984 and from Tarleton State University in 1989 where he received a degree in Agri-science. He has been teaching Ag in the Henrietta community for 21 years. He and his wife, Valerie have three children. Tyler is a 19-year-old sophomore at Clarendon College and is following his dad’s footprints, working toward his degree in agriculture. Ryan, who is 17, is a junior in high school. Lindsey, who is 12, is in the 7th grade.
Crafton is the son of Darrel and Frances Crafton of May, Texas and the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ben Cook Sr. of May, Texas.
