INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Don Villwock, president of Indiana Farm Bureau presented the Rural Teacher of the Year award to Gina Hackman, a math teacher at Jennings County High School during the opening session of the Indiana Farm Bureau State Convention on Dec. 7.

“She is an extraordinary teacher who richly deserves this award,” said Villwock. “The Indiana Farm Bureau family of companies is proud to support the Rural Teacher of the Year program.”

As part of her reward for this honor, she also received from Farm Bureau a check for $1,000. The award itself is presented by the Indiana Small and Rural Schools Assoc.

“What I do is no more than what countless educators do everyday,” said Hackman. “I will display this plaque and really big check not to boast about winning an award, but to show that if you choose a career that you’re passionate about you can truly make a difference in our world.”

Hackman, who has taught at the high school for more than 30 years, is also an elected member of the Brownstown Central School Board.

“This is a true honor,” said Hackman.