8 Indiana ag teachers finalists for Golden Owl Award

INDIANAPOLIS — Eight ag teachers were honored as finalists for the Golden Owl Award in Indiana.

These teachers devoted their time and effort to helping Indiana students chase their dreams and grow their local FFA programs.

The 2023-2024 Golden Owl Award finalists are:

• Hank Carson, Orleans FFA

• ZoeAnn Chernowsky, Blue River Valley FFA

• Erin Gilley, Southmont FFA

• Brianna Lammers, Jasper FFA

• Amanda Line, South Putnam FFA

• Ron Noll, Prairie Heights FFA

• McCord Snider, East Central FFA

• Shelby Wolford, Owen Valley FFA

Each finalist was presented with a commemorative plaque and a $500 check to support future educational efforts.

The finalists will enter the final selection stage for the chance to be crowned as Indiana’s Ag Educator of the Year, earning an additional $3,000 Nationwide-funded check and the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy.

Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award to honor the contributions of teachers and support their programs with additional resources to assist their continued educational efforts.

“As the need grows for more ag educators across the nation, we are proud to thank and honor these hardworking agricultural teachers for their dedication,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide.

“These educators play a crucial role in preparing students for successful careers in the industry.”

In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is also donating $5,000 to the Indiana FFA to support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers and advisers.