To thank educators for their exceptional contributions and dedication, students, parents, and community members across eleven states nominated more than 1,100 agricultural educators for the 2023-2024 Golden Owl Award.
Among these educators, 79 were recently recognized as finalists. Nationwide and its state partners announced the 11 Golden Owl Award grand prize winners and Ag Educators of the Year today:
- California: Rick Neugebauer, McArthur-Fall River High School
- Illinois: Mark Steber, Olney High School
- Indiana: Ron Noll, Prairie Heights High School
- Iowa: John Daniels, Belle Plaine High School
- Kansas: John Kern, Washington County High School
- Missouri: Josh Bondy, Paris High School
- Nebraska: Stephanie Mann, Crofton High School
- New York: Chris Kelly, Greenwich Central School
- Ohio: Dena Wuebker, Versailles High School
- Pennsylvania: Holly Oberholtzer, Lampeter Strasburg High School
- South Dakota: Tara Fastert, Harrisburg High School
Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri also recognize postsecondary ag educators in a separate award category. The winners include:
- Illinois: Bill Harmon, postsecondary, Lincoln Land Community College
- Iowa: Amber Greiman, postsecondary, Hawkeye Community College
- Missouri: Brad Driskill, postsecondary, State Fair Community College
Nationwide partnered with state FFA organizations to create the Golden Owl Award in 2018 to highlight the growing importance of educators and recognize the services of the country’s leading agricultural teachers. The program provides funding to help support the teachers’ agricultural programs and elevate the learning opportunities for their students.
As grand prize winners, the teachers earn the title of their state’s Ag Educator of the Year, the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy, and $3,000 in funding to help bring new opportunities to their programs. Each finalist was also recognized in front of their school and awarded with $500 for their program.
“These outstanding agricultural educators exemplify passion and devotion to shaping the future of their communities,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “Their tireless efforts inspire the next generation of agriculture leaders, and we’re proud to recognize their invaluable contributions as Ag Educators of the Year.”
In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is also donating $5,000 to each participating state’s FFA organization to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers, and advisors alike.
In accordance with Ohio law, cash prizes in Ohio are awarded to the winner’s school ag program. Because of additional funding by Farm Credit Mid-America and AgCredit, each Ohio finalist’s school ag program receives an additional $1,000, while the school ag program of the Ohio Ag Educator of the Year receives an additional $2,000.