Nominate Illinois teachers for top agricultural educator award

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Agriculture educators play a crucial role within their communities by investing countless hours to prepare and empower students for successful careers in the industry.

In recognition of their invaluable contributions and to offer additional resources for their programs, Nationwide introduced the Golden Owl Award in 2018.

Since its inception, the Golden Owl Award has awarded nearly half a million dollars to support teachers, students, school agricultural programs and FFA chapters.

Last year, there were over 3,500 nominations across 11 participating states. Due to its positive impact and popularity, the award is expanding this year to include Kentucky and Maryland.

“Agricultural educators are so much more than teachers — they’re community servants who are shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” said Brad Liggett, president of agribusiness at Nationwide.

“Together with our partners, we encourage students, parents, fellow teachers and other community members to nominate their agricultural teachers to acknowledge their hard work.”

Nationwide, along with the Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers, Illinois Association FFA, Farm Credit Illinois and Compeer Financial are now accepting nominations for Illinois’ top agricultural teachers for a chance to be named as the Ag Educator of the Year.

Nominate any Illinois agriculture educator for the 2024-2025 Golden Owl Award by Nov. 15.

After the nomination period closes, a selection committee will evaluate nominations and select five finalists in Illinois. These finalists will be recognized in front of their peers and students, receiving a personalized plaque and $500 award.

One finalist will then be chosen as the grand prize winner, earning the 2024-2025 Ag Educator of the Year title for Illinois, along with the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and an additional $3,000 to help fund future educational efforts.

“As we talk to alumni members from 10, 20, or even 30 years and beyond, nearly every one of them can remember their high school agriculture teacher and the memories made both in and out of the classroom,” said John Edgar, executive director of the IAVAT.

“We are so incredibly thankful for all of our outstanding agriculture teachers and FFA advisers, especially those that go above and beyond to provide opportunities for our members.”

The 2023-2024 Golden Owl Award recognized 79 exceptional agricultural teachers, including 11 Ag Educators of the Year.

This year, the award program will recognize leading agricultural teachers across 13 states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and South Dakota.

Nationwide is committed to supporting the future of the ag community through meaningful sponsorships of national and local organizations.

In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is donating $5,000 to each participating state’s FFA — including the IAVAT — to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers and advisors alike.

The owl, a symbol of knowledge and wisdom, is one of the five symbols in the FFA emblem. It inspired the name of the Golden Owl Award program, reflecting the dedication and investment agriculture teachers make to empower their students.

To learn more about the Golden Owl Award, visit GoldenOwlAward.com.