LARNED — The Fort Larned USD 495 School District had a secret over the weekend and kept it until the end.

Tuesday morning, as family members, friends, business partners, organization members, officials, legislators and eventually the entire Larned High School student body prepped for an award presentation for their industrial arts instructor in the school gymnasium, it was local electrician Jim Haynes who had probably the most important job.

It was Haynes’ task to keep LHS instructor Adam Hewson occupied unaware in his classroom as the assembly finished gathering, for a 10 a.m. surprise.

And, surprisingly, he was.

His quizzical expression quickly transformed into shock and then an ear-to-ear grin as he entered the gym and ducked his way through the double row of flower-bearing cheerleaders. Standing up, he froze for a moment, as he realized that the gathering was for him.

At the center circle was a large grey toolbox emblazoned with a plaque bearing his name. Resting on top was an oversize check in the amount of $75,000.

He’d won.

‘Tools for Schools’ from Harbor Freight foundation

Since 2016, the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence has recognized outstanding skilled trades instructors and their programs in public high schools across the country. The program’s mission, funded by The Schmidt Foundation established by Harbor Freight Tools owner and founder Eric Schmidt, is to advance excellent skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools. The Foundation believes that access to quality skilled trades education gives high school students pathways to graduation, opportunity, good jobs, and a workforce that our country needs. In its 10 years, the Foundation has awarded more than $12 million to educators preparing students for successful trade careers.

This fall, Hewson joined 25 educators for a $75,000 share of $2 million in prize money to be split between the school trades program and the instructor. Last June, he and USD 495 were notified that he had advanced to place among 50 finalists nationwide.

The district, who had been earlier notified Hewson had been selected for a grand prize, informed a select group of individuals last Friday that plans were in the works to hold a surprise presentation Tuesday morning in the gym.

The guest list included Hewson’s family, business partners, Larned Mayor William Nusser, membership of Larned Civic Pride and the Larned Noon Lions Clubs, and state legislators Rep. Brett Fairchild, Sen. Tory Blew as well as the student body.

Presenting the award were Brian Schulte, Harbor Freight District manager based in Olathe, Kan., and C.B. Young, manager of the Harbor Feight Tools store in Great Bend.

“My name is Brian Schulte, and I am district manager of Harbor Freight Tools. I am here today with a pretty big announcement. Mr. Hewson is one of 25 winners of the 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. You and your school have just won $75,000.

“Surprised? Half of town appears to be here today for you. Very good.”

In speaking about the award, Schulte noted that in the 10th year of the award, “after today, we will have awarded more than $12 million to more than 200 teachers in the country.” He noted that after submitting his application, Hewson endured three rounds of judging: by excellence in education, industry, philanthropy and civic leadership, to receive the award. In all, there were 569 applications received from 49 states.

“I’d like to share just a piece from the essay that Mr. Hewson submitted. ‘Building a successful building trades program requires persistence, creativity and strong relationships. Access to the right tools can transform learning and students will rise in expectations when given the opportunity. I learned that investing in hands-on education not only builds skills, but also confidence and pride in a student’s career future.’

“And so, Mr. Hewson, you deserve something more than just a trophy.”

When he took over the microphone, Hewson was at a loss for words. “I don’t know what to say; I’m shocked,” he said. “So many people are here. I am thinking of the motto for the City of Larned, ‘Cities are what people make them.’ This is a shared success; we never would have done this without the students in the class and the achievements they’ve had in the last few years. We would never have gotten this without them.”

After the presentation, a plethora of photos ensued.

At Hewson’s request, photos were taken with him and his current woodworking class, as well as a group photo of the entire assembly.

As the event was winding down, Hewson was asked if the money would fund the idea for his next project. “The equipment, it’s going to need equipment,” he noted.

He didn’t elaborate any further; for the Larned community as well as his future students, we’ll just have to wait and see.