(KAIR)--An Oskaloosa high school teacher has earned special honors, named Kansas State Grange Teacher of the Year.

That happened last weekend, during the 153rd Grange Convention, held in Gardner, KS, where history teacher Rod Stottlemire learned he had been selected for the award.

Stottlemire now advances to the national competition, with a release from Oskaloosa USD 341 saying that Stottlemire, nominated for the honor by Pleasant View Grange #1459, was recognized for his 35-years of teaching, which includes 25-years spent at Oskaloosa.

According to the Grange, Stottlemier "embodies the values of the Grange by promoting personal growth, leadership, and community involvement in his students."

The Grange, founded in 1867, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, fraternal organization that advocates for Rural America and Agriculture.

Stottlemire, a release says, is "known for his dedication to both students and community," pioneering the school- Veterans Day Assembly, where his history students plan and lead the entire event, fostering leadership and civic responsibility. In addition to his classroom success, his extracurricular activities were also noted, as Stottlemire has coached football, basketball, and baseball, achieving over 200 career wins as Head Baseball Coach, with the release saying his "coaching fosters teamwork, discipline, and perseverance in his student-athletes."

Now that he's earned the state honor, Stottlemire's nomination advances to the National Grange Teacher of the Year competition, to be held, next month, in Bettendorf, Iowa.