Highland High School Agriculture Department

Teaches: Intro to Ag Mechanics, Ag Welding, & Agriculture Fabrication

Coaches: Job Interview

Ag Mechanics

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Supervises: Beef, Turkeys, Dogs & Ag Mechanics

Mr. Wilke grew up in Taft, California, and graduated from Taft High School. As a student, he was an active member of Taft FFA, where he raised hogs and cattle and developed a passion for agriculture. After high school, he attended Bakersfield College before transferring to California State University, Fresno, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Education.

Following graduation, Mr. Wilke worked for Diversified Crop Insurance, gaining valuable experience in the agricultural industry. After several years, he realized his passion was in agricultural education and returned to the classroom, beginning his teaching career at Arvin High School. In 2022, he joined the Highland High School Agriculture Department, where he has played a key role in growing and strengthening the Agricultural Mechanics pathway.

Mr. Wilke is married to his wife, Teighlor, who is also an agriculture teacher at Centennial High School. Together they have three sons, Rhett, Bennett and Truett. Outside of school, Mr. Wilke enjoys spending time with his family, visiting their vacation home in Tahoe, and making new memories through outdoor adventures together.

Teaches: Communications & Sales, Veterinary Science & Floral 1-3

Coaches: Rabbit/Cavy Judging

AET Records

Ag Issues

Parliamentary Procedures

Prepared Public Speaking

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Supervises: Rabbits & Poultry

Ms. Gonzalez grew up in Bakersfield and is an Alumni of Highland High School. Growing through the Highland FFA program all four years, she served as an FFA Officer and achieved her FFA American Degree. 

After graduating from Highland, she went to Bakersfield College where she achieved an Associates in Animal Science and in Agriculture Business. While there she was also a member of the Bakersfield College Ag Ambassadors team and an officer for the Ag Club both years she was there. 

Following her passion of teaching, she transferred to Fresno State after to achieve her Bachelors in Agriculture Education and her credentials. While at Fresno State, Ms. Gonzalez worked at the FS Dairy & was a part of the Horticulture Club. 

Now, teaching back at her Alma Mater, she is beyond thrilled to rep the Scots in Blue, Green & Gold. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, playing tennis and spending time with family & friends.

Teaches: Sustainable Biology

Coaches: Milk Quality & Products

Meat Judging 

Impromptu Public Speaking

Novice Records 

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Supervises: Goats

Ms. Whitesell grew up in Bakersfield, California, and graduated from Frontier High School. She began her college journey at Bakersfield College, where she earned an Associate of Science Degree in Animal Science before transferring to California State University, Fresno. At Fresno State, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Livestock Business Management.

During her time at Fresno State, Ms. Whitesell was an active member of the Meat Science Club, where she developed a passion for meat science and the livestock industry. After graduation, she gained valuable experience working throughout the agricultural industry and assisting at county fairs and jackpot livestock shows. These experiences reinforced her passion for agriculture and inspired her to pursue a career in agricultural education.

As an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, Ms. Whitesell is dedicated to helping students discover their passions, develop leadership skills, and gain hands-on experiences that prepare them for future success. She is committed to creating meaningful learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom while sharing her enthusiasm for the agriculture industry.

Outside of school, Ms. Whitesell enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the beach and the mountains, fishing, and making the most of the outdoors.

Teaches: Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (AFNR)

Coaches: BIG

Creed Public Speaking

Nursery Landscape

Banking

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Supervises: Sheep 

Ms. Reames grew up in Lodi, California, where her passion for agriculture first took root as a member of Lodi FFA. Through raising turkeys and swine, she discovered a love for agriculture that inspired her to pursue a career in agricultural education. After graduating from high school, she attended San Joaquin Delta College, where she showed sheep, before transferring to California State University, Fresno.

Over the past 10 years, Ms. Reames has taught a variety of agriculture courses, coached numerous FFA Career and Leadership Development Event teams, and advised students as they raised and exhibited livestock across multiple species. She enjoys the variety that comes with teaching agriculture, knowing that no two days are ever the same.

Ms. Reames is passionate about helping students discover their interests, build confidence, and realize they are capable of achieving more than they ever imagined. She strives to bring real-world experiences into the classroom while exposing students to the countless opportunities available within the agriculture industry.

Outside of school, Ms. Reames enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends. Whether she is backpacking, fishing, exploring new places, or enjoying nature, she appreciates every opportunity to be outside. She is also an avid plant enthusiast and enjoys caring for her ever-growing collection of houseplants.

Teaches: Ag Chemistry & Ag Economics & Government

Coaches: Parliamentary Procedure

Ag Sales

COOPS

Extemporaneous

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Supervises: Swine

Ms. Coito grew up in Tulare, California, and graduated from Mission Oak High School. During high school, she was actively involved in CSF, ASB, FFA, AVID, and athletics. After graduation, she attended Fresno State, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education.

While in college, Ms. Coito gained valuable experience through various jobs, with her most impactful role being a Zoo Educator at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. In this position, she worked with students ages 4–18, inspiring young people to learn about nature, wildlife, and the importance of protecting our environment.

Outside of teaching, Ms. Coito enjoys spending time outdoors, visiting the beach, watching new movies, and attempting to keep her balcony garden alive.