Seven agricultural teachers named their state’s top educator of the year
Fifty-one agriculture teachers were recently recognized in their states as Golden Owl Award finalists for their exceptional contributions and devotion to their students. In partnership with state partners, Nationwide is proud to share the 2021-2022 Golden Owl Award grand prize winners and Ag Educators of the Year:
- California: Elizabeth Ammon – Lassen High School, Susanville, CA
- Illinois: Kent Weber – Seneca High School, Seneca, IL
- Indiana: Blair Orme – Rushville High School, Rushville, IN
- Iowa: Micah Weber – Rock Valley Community School, Rock Valley, IA
- New York: Johanna Bossard – Hamilton Central School, Hamilton, NY
- Ohio: Barrett Zimmerman – Clyde High School, Clyde, OH
- Pennsylvania: Doug Brown – Central Columbia High School, Bloomsburg, PA
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.1
“These outstanding agricultural teachers play an essential role in their communities,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “We’re proud to work with our state partners to honor these dedicated educators who are preparing the next generation of industry leaders.”
As the no. 1 insurer of farms and ranches in the U.S.2, Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award to honor the contributions of teachers and support them with additional resources to assist their continued educational efforts.
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.
1 In Ohio, all Golden Owl Award funding is contributed directly to the school to benefit the agriculture programs.
2 Source: A.M. Best Market Share Report 2021