ORWELL, Ohio – Recently, Lowell Moodt, an agriculture teacher at Grand Valley High School in Ohio, innocently asked a colleague what a morning assembly was all about.

Two standing ovations later, the reason was evident: Moodt had been honored as one of the 10 top agricultural teachers in the state.

To shed light on the contributions of Ohio’s leading agricultural teachers, Ohio FFA, Nationwide, Ohio Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Mid-America and AgCredit, honors 10 exceptional educators as finalists for the Golden Owl Award.

From Aug. 1 through Dec. 31 Ohio FFA collected nominations for the state’s top agricultural teachers from local students, parents, fellow teachers and community members across the state.

Moodt said he had no clue what was happening until his wife, daughter and mother entered the school’s gymnasium last week.

“I have 126 students and I try to keep the lessons real,” Moodt said. “They are lessons that students can use in everyday life.”

Ryan Curtis, an education program specialist with the Ohio Department of Education, made the announcement.

That same morning, Jeff Tilley of the Amanda-Clearcreek FFA chapter for more than 25 years, received the same recognition by his school district. Tilley is also a seventh-generation farmer.

“It was nice to be recognized, but I’m not teaching to win awards,” Tilley said. “I’m teaching so any child who wants to pursue a future with agriculture can have the best chance they can at finding success.”

Tilley teaches agricultural science, environmental science and agricultural business. Before taking his classes, many of Tilley’s students don’t have much experience with farming.

“It can make teaching challenging because going back to teach that basic knowledge does take time to catch everyone up,” Tilley said, “but we also want to make sure we’re preparing the students for all the opportunities agriculture can offer, especially outside collegiate opportunities.”

The eight other Golden Award finalists include Tricia Schoen (Genoa-Penta FFA), Laura Ringler (Plymouth FFA), Barrett Zimmerman (Clyde FFA), Sarah Heilers (Anna FFA), Aaron Thompson (Upper Scioto Valley-OHP FFA), Tim Kilpatrick (Coshocton County Career Center FFA), Eric Heeg (Blanchester Great Oaks FFA) and Abby Campbell (Fort Frye FFA).

Each finalist was presented with an individualized plaque in front of fellow teachers and students and received a $500 donation to their school’s agricultural program to support future educational efforts.

Next, they’ll be entered in to a final selection state for the chance to be crowned as Ohio’s Ag Educator of the Year, earning an additional $3,000 donation to their school’s agriculture program, and the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy.

The overall winner will be announced during the 94th Ohio FFA Convention in May.

There were 326 nominations for 109 teachers in Ohio. There are 525 agricultural teachers in the state.

“Ohio is home to many outstanding ag teachers,” said Jessica Parrish, executive director of the Ohio FFA Foundation. “We are happy to highlight and recognize the 10 honorees for their ongoing commitment to student success.”