Christy Hodges, FFA Instructor and Adviser at Johnson County Central Schools, was honored as a finalist for the 2025-2026 Golden Owl Award which was presented by Stacey Agnew, executive Director of the Nebraska FFA Foundation and the Nebraska Agricultural Education Association.
The Golden Owl Award recognizes Nebraska Ag Educators for their tremendous contributions in preparing the next generation of young people for successful careers in agriculture. From October 1 through December 31, the Nebraska FFA Foundation and Nationwide worked together to ask students, faculty and community members to nominate a deserving teacher. Over 100 nominations for 30 Nebraska teachers were generated. Following the nomination period, a committee was tasked with selecting the Golden Owl Award finalists. In its eighth year, the Golden Owl Award recognizes an Ag Educator of the Year in 15 states. Finalists in each state receive $500 and a plaque, and the winner receives an additional $3,000 and the coveted Ag Educator of the Year trophy and the Nebraska Agricultural Education Association Outstanding Teacher of the Year award and will move on to a regional selection for the National Association of Agricultural Education. Through this program, Nationwide also donates $5,000 to the Nebraska FFA organization for Ag teacher programming support.
“This recognition is well deserved,” said Principal Justin Damme. “We are honored to have such an outstanding educator at our school.”
