Submitted by Westfield Washington Schools
Chris Kaufman, Agri Science Teacher at Westfield High School (WHS), has been named a finalist for the FFA Indiana Golden Owl Award. He received the news during a class, presented by the students who nominated him, WHS administration, and representatives from the FFA and Nationwide.
Educators devote limitless time, and often their own resources, to helping students pursue their passions. To recognize the contributions of Indiana’s leading agricultural teachers, the Indiana FFA and Nationwide are honoring eight exceptional teachers as finalists for the Golden Owl Award.
From Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, nominations were collected for the state’s top agricultural teachers from local students, parents, fellow teachers, and community members across Indiana.
Photo provided by Westfield Washington Schools
Photo provided by Westfield Washington Schools
Each finalist was presented with an individualized plaque in front of fellow teachers and students and received a $500 check to support future educational efforts. Next, they’ll be entered into a final selection stage for the chance to be crowned as Indiana 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. This year, the award program honors outstanding ag educators in 15 states: California, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Utah.
“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 further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers, and advisors alike.