By Jennifer Eisenbart
Editor
Walking into the gymnasium at Elkhorn Area High School Oct. 8, teacher Austin Thorson was at a loss for words.
Tears streaming down his face, with various media outlets recording his reaction, Thorson was treated to a pep rally in honor of earning a prestigious prize.
Named a finalist for the Harbor Freight Tools for School Prize for Teaching Excellence, Thorson found out at the pep rally he was one of 20 winners of a $50,000 prize.
With Harbor Freight Tools for Schools – a philanthropic arm of The Smidt Foundation, started by Harbor Freight owner Eric Smidt – awarding $1.5 million to high school teachers across the country, Wisconsin fared well. Three finalists were named from the state, with Anthony Christian of Arrowhead High School also earning a $50,000.
A tool box with a plaque stating Thorson’s name was also donated, and Thorson received an oversized check at the assembly.
There were five grand prize winners of $100,000 also named. A full list of winners can be found at hftforschools.org/prize-for-teaching-excellence/2024-prize/#winners.
For Thorson, he had high hopes heading into the final round. He had been named a finalist before, but had yet to earn one of the prizes.
When he finally stepped to the microphone to talk to the assembled student body Oct. 8, he said simply, “I have nothing prepared for this.”
Thorson’s brother and parents, as well as his wife Haleigh – a teacher in the district at Jackson Elementary – were all in attendance at the event.
“I was very surprised. My wife is apparently better at keeping a secret,” said Thorson, who added that his wife probably knew for a month.
He said at first, when he walked into the gymnasium, he was confused, because it was Homecoming week. However, the pep assembly for that is normally at the end of the week.
“Then I saw the Harbor Freight people and went, ‘Here we go,’” Thorson said. “At first, I was pretty shocked.
“I felt really accomplished,” he said. “I felt we finally reached the level where our program is being acknowledged for the great things we’re doing.
“I’m super proud of what we’re doing here,” he added.
Ashley Bennett, Harbor Freight Senior District Manager, and Mike Levin, Harbor Freight Regional Manager, were also in attendance.
“This is our favorite day of the year,” they said.
Elkhorn’s technical education program has grown more robust over the years, with Thorson running the automotive department. Courses range from car ownership basics to three different levels of auto classes. In the final level, students lead a service center, where they work on staff and student vehicles.
Having gone through the process four times now, Thorson said this year was special – in large part because of the students he is working with at EAHS.
“Their motivation to me has pushed me to put together a really great application this year,” he explained.
Thorson has shared a story many times about his middle school shop teacher in Appleton, who “took all my energy and found an outlet for it.”
That inspiration led Thorson to teaching trades, where he is constantly inspired by his students at Elkhorn.
Elkhorn Area School District Superintendent Jason Tadlock praised Thorson.
“Austin is a great example of the hard-working and caring staff at EASD,” Tadlock said. “He goes above and beyond to make his program the best it can be, and he regularly brings added value and resources to the district.
“We are all about creating opportunities and possibilities for our students, and Austin does that daily,” he added. “I cannot think of an automotive teacher more deserving of such an honor! We’re grateful and proud to have him as a member of our team.”
Thorson said he will go through the department’s equipment and update what is needed. He would also love to get a new lift or scan tool for the shop.
One of the things Thorson also would like to do is set up a mobile shop trailer where students can go to local elementary schools and Elkhorn Area Middle School, and speak as well as demonstrate trade education.
He also wants to expand the small engine classes.
“We’re really seeing a huge need,” Thorson said, adding that, right now, small engine work is included as part of a class, but not all of it.
“We’re just out of space,” he explained, saying that the funds would help grow the class for younger students.
He’s hopeful to reach out further into the community as well.
“I’m hoping to accomplish some of that with the funds that we won,” he said, adding that he’d like to do an extended Community Night. “I’m super stoked.”
