INDIANAPOLIS – To recognize the contributions of Indiana’s leading agricultural teachers, the Indiana FFA, Farm Credit Mid-America, and Nationwide are honoring eight exceptional teachers as finalists for the Golden Owl Award.

From Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, 2023, nominations were collected for the state’s top agricultural teachers from local students, parents, fellow teachers and community members across Indiana.

Indiana’s Golden Owl Award finalists are:

• Hank Carson, Orleans FFA

• ZoeAnn Chernowsky, Blue River Valley FFA

• Erin Gilley, Southmont FFA

• Brianna Lammers, Jasper FFA

• Amanda Line, South Putnam FFA

• Ron Noll, Prairie Heights FFA

• McCord Snider, East Central FFA

• Shelby Wolford, Owen Valley FFA

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’s 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 10 states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota.

“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 the Indiana FFA to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers, and advisers alike.