WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – When Ron Noll graduated from college, he returned to his family’s dairy operation with the intent of continuing to work and manage the farm with his family. But life took a turn and he ended up teaching at Prairie Heights High School, where he had graduated from years before.

“That was always my goal, to farm with my dad,” he recalled. “In 2002, our family as a group decided that we should take a different path and we sold our cows and farm equipment. I was not sure at the time what I would be doing next but God had a plan for me and it led me to my high school in the ag program.

“When I was asked why I became an ag teacher after farming, my reply was that when I was in school, my ag teachers made a huge impact on my life and maybe I could be a positive influence on students just as they had on me.”

Noll has taught at Prairie Heights in LaGrange County for 21 years. Last month, he was named Ag Educator of the Year at the Indiana FFA state convention.

Nationwide created the Golden Owl program, which they call the Ag Educator of the Year on the plaque, according to an FFA spokeswoman. It’s a great way to give communities and schools the opportunity to share the love for their advisers, she said.

Noll said he was surprised and humbled by the honor. “I don’t know why they selected me. I just do what I think is important and help out when or where I can or am needed. Since I received the award, I have been hearing of many people’s comments through the nomination process and I have been again very humbled by the kind words people have spoken of me.”

He was an active member of FFA in high school. He participated in many leadership contests. Parliamentary procedure was one of his favorite contests and he still enjoys coaching the contest. Noll was involved with proficiency applications and spent many hours on the school farm.

“What I enjoy most about being an ag teacher is when I see my students succeed,” he noted. “Whether in high school or after high school, when I get to catch up to some of them and they let me know how and what they are doing. I do this for the kids and when they find success, it makes me smile.”

Noll said one of his goals when he began teaching was to continue to foster support from the community, administration and staff and “to continue to provide students the opportunity to learn from hands-on activities and challenge them to solve problems.”

When asked what changes or improvements he’s helped to make in the Prairie Heights ag program while at the school, Noll mentioned the school’s farm, where they are raising steers for the cafeteria. Some of the steers are shown in 4-H. Improvements to the irrigation system at the farm were done in 2013. He also mentioned the many trailers made in the school’s ag welding classes over the years.

“The first one was a 25-foot gooseneck trailer. I may have gone out on a limb with this project but I felt comfortable that they could do it and they did a great job. It was fun to see the students’ reaction to the finished project where they saw a bunch of steel pieces turn into something that is functional. It builds their confidence.”

Noll said he has received support from his family, especially his wife Alicia. He said he cannot thank the community and administration enough for backing the school’s ag program.

“In my opinion, there is a lot to gain from ag classes, but like any other, if you put effort into it, you will gain more from it,” he said. “The students who choose to be involved have many opportunities to learn skills that range from hands-on activities to speaking and presentation skills. I guess what I would like for them to learn most is skills to prepare them for life after high school.”