Seventy-nine agricultural educators have been named finalists for the 2023-2024 Golden Owl Award, a prestigious recognition in the field of agricultural education. The finalists were selected from a pool of over 1,100 nominations across 11 states, including California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota.

According to Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide, "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." Liggett emphasized the vital role these educators play in preparing students for successful careers in the industry.

The Golden Owl Award program, established in 2018 by Nationwide in partnership with state FFA organizations, aims to highlight the importance of educators and acknowledge the contributions of leading agricultural teachers. Each finalist received an individualized plaque and a $500 donation to support their educational programs, with the opportunity to be named their state's Ag Educator of the Year, earning an additional $3,000 contribution and the prestigious Golden Owl Award trophy.

In addition to recognizing outstanding educators, Nationwide is demonstrating its commitment to the future of the agriculture community by donating $5,000 to each participating state's FFA organization. This sponsorship is intended to support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers, and advisors involved in agricultural education.

The finalists represent a diverse group of educators from various schools and institutions, each dedicated to providing quality agricultural education. The Golden Owl Award program not only celebrates their hard work and commitment but also aims to elevate the learning opportunities for students in agricultural programs nationwide.

For more information about the Golden Owl Award and the impact of agricultural educators, visit www.GoldenOwlAward.com.