Shaping futures: Denton vo-ag teacher wins national award

With the entire Denton School assembled in the gymnasium Tuesday, vo-ag teacher Ty Neal received $75,000 for winning the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Teaching for Excellence 2026 contest.

Neal was one of 25 teachers across the country who won this year’s contest, and only the third Montanan in the 10 years of the award.

Denton School Superintendent Scott Sparks was able to keep the entire award ceremony a surprise, so when Neal walked into the gym on Tuesday afternoon he had no idea what was about to happen.

“I told him we had a videographer making a film about the school and he needed to bring his ag mechanics class to the gym,” Sparks said.

As soon as Neal stepped foot in the gym, though, he knew something as up as those assembled erupted in cheers.

Harbor Freight Tools for Schools District Manager Michelle Fischer made the formal presentation, explaining Neal’s application was chosen from among the 569 teachers who applied.

“We are so excited to celebrate this special milestone with you,” Fischer said, handing Neal a giant check for $75,000.

Of that award money, Denton School will receive $50,000 to use on improvements to the shop classroom, and Neal will receive $25,000 to use in any way he wishes.

“One thing that really impressed the judges during the three rounds of evaluations was that in your video you mentioned how much you love being able to take a group of kids into the shop, some of whom have never touched the equipment or are afraid to do things like welding, and show them they can do anything,” Fischer said.

Neal, sounding somewhat overwhelmed, said he was completely unaware he was one of the winners.

“I was tracking it until about two months ago when I was in the top 50, but when I didn’t hear anything more, I figured I hadn’t made it past that round,” he said. “This today was a complete surprise. This is 20 years worth of budget for us.”

Neal said he had no idea what pushed his application over the top into the winner category, but jokingly suggested it was because he included his dog in the video.

More likely, however, it is because his love of teaching shone through.

“None of this would be possible without the kids,” Neal told the assembly.

One of Neal’s students, Tenley Williams, said she wasn’t surprised he was a winner.

“He goes above and beyond for us,” she said.

Sparks said he and Neal will have some fun deciding what to spend the money on.

“If we get $5,000 it’s a big deal. Ty’s incredible at finding funding for his program and we’ve had some small grants, but this one…holy cow. We’ll have to sit down together and come up with a plan for $50,000.” Sparks said.

Congressman Troy Downing and Senator Steve Daines both sent videos, played during the assembly, congratulating Neal.

“As an ag mechanics teacher helping kids to build real skills, you are not just teaching kids how to use tools but giving them a pathway to build a life. Montana needs more teachers like you,” Downing said in his video.

Fischer said she hopes to return in a year or two and see the results of the award.

“It’s a very exciting time for Denton School,” she said. “This is game changing.”

Neal’s parents, Lyle and Dianna were able to be at the school for the presentation of the award, as was his wife, veterinarian Perrie Neal, and their three kids, Bridey, Hawkins and Remmi.

“He’s a good teacher. He taught for 13 years in Lodge Grass, where he built their FFA program,” Lyle Neal said. “He moved up here to Denton two years ago, and he loves it. We love it. We bought a ranch here and we’re building a house.”

“Denton’s been good to us,” Ty said.