Most agricultural educators are familiar with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. As we work with students and others, we should strive to help them move up the hierarchy. This footnote focuses on the fourth level which is Esteem. Esteem can be characterized by words such as respect, status and recognition.
Figure 1. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Having 47 years of experience teaching agricultural education at the high school and university level, I am familiar with the award programs that recognize students, teachers and our supporters in many states and organizations.
It appears that Nebraska has some unique awards for agricultural teachers and administrators. In this Footnote we will explore these awards. If your state doesn’t have something comparable, you might consider establishing such awards in your state.
The Cornerstone Award
The quality of the administrative support your program receives can make or break an agricultural program. Many agricultural education programs thrive because of outstanding support provided by local school administrators. Nebraska FFA recognizes outstanding administrators for their support of agricultural education/FFA during the State FFA Convention with the Cornerstone Award. All nominees are reviewed by a committee and the four recipients are recognized at the State FFA Convention.
Figure 2. From the Scottsbluff Star-Herald, April 30, 2023
Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award
Established in 2009, this award recognizes a Nebraska agriculture educator/FFA advisor for what they have done in “helping others,” specifically in the school and community, outside of agricultural education and FFA. The recipient of this award exemplifies the commitment, self-sacrifice, and genuine kindness that defined Gary Scharf’s life.
- One Nebraska agriculture educator/FFA advisor will be recognized annually with a plaque and $500 cash award.
- Anyone can make the nomination – students, fellow teachers, school officials, parents, and others within the community.
- Nominees are reviewed and considered based on the attributes and work done outside the classroom, school, and FFA activities.
- The selected recipient will be announced and recognized during the Nebraska FFA State Convention.
The recipient of this award demonstrates the commitment, self-sacrifice, and genuine kindness that defined Gary Scharf’s character and life.
Scharf, who was a victim of an Omaha mall shooting incident, grew up on a family farm near Curtis, Nebraska. He worked in the agricultural chemical industry. Over the years, he made contributions to Nebraska’s agricultural and FFA communities through years of service on the Nebraska FFA Foundation Board, serving as president in 2002-2003.
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Figure 3. From the Scottsbluff Star-Herald, April 15, 2012
Nebraska Farm Bureau Advisors of the Year
The Nebraska Farm Bureau recognizes the contributions of FFA advisors in Nebraska. They provide recognition for two outstanding Nebraska FFA advisors each year and those individuals are honored at the State FFA Convention. The winning advisors receive a plaque and $1,000 is donated to their FFA chapters.
Figure 4. From the North Platte Telegraph, April 22, 2025
Golden Owl Award
The Golden Owl Award is sponsored by Nationwide Insurance. Launched in 2018, the Golden Owl Award has grown from just two states to 15, providing over $600,000 to support teachers, students, school agricultural programs and FFAs. This prestigious award allows students, fellow educators and supporters in California, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Utah to nominate their favorite agricultural teacher, highlighting their exemplary contributions within their state.
In 2025 six agriculture teachers in Nebraska were finalists for the Golden Owl Award. Each nominee received a plaque and $500. They were:
- Cole Blomendahl, Mead Public High School
- Kathleen Craig, North Platte Public Schools
- Dave Ference, Ord Public School
- Amy Kohtz, Friend Public School – Exeter-Milligan/Friend FFA Chapter
- Joel Miller, Hampton Public School
- Ellen Trahan, Keya Paha County Schools
The person selected as the Nebraska Agricultural Educator of the Year and grand prize winner in 2025 was Joel Miller who received the Golden Owl trophy and $3,000.
Figure 5. Article from the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District. To read the entire article click on this link – https://www.upperbigblue.org/hampton-ag-teacher-dubbed-educator-year
If your state is not one of the 15 states participating in the Golden Owl program, you might want to contact Nationwide to see about getting on the list. – https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/farm-and-agribusiness/articles/golden-owl-award.
Concluding Remarks
It is human nature to want to be recognized for the good things one does. Research shows that agriculture teachers often work 55+ hours a week, have a myriad of responsibilities, and don’t receive the recognition they deserve.
Currently I am serving on a doctoral committee for a student who is writing a dissertation on teacher burnout. Her findings reveal just how stressed and unappreciated career and technical education teachers are. With the teacher shortage in many states, we need to keep our teachers from leaving the profession. A robust recognition program might help keep the teachers.
Mark Twain said “One compliment can keep me going for a whole month.” Perhaps it is time to examine the teacher recognition program we have in our states and see if we could borrow some ideas from Nebraska. Who have you complimented today?
