Sharon Springs Central School ag teacher and FFA advisor Anne Allen has advanced to the next level of competition for the Golden Owl Award, a nationwide contest recognizing the work and contributions of ag educators.
In partnership with the New York FFA and the New York Farm Bureau, Nationwide Insurance collected more than 175 nominations from local students, fellow teachers, parents and community members from August to December 2020.
The winner will be named at virtual New York FFA State Convention in May; Ms. Allen, at SSCS since 1996, is one of 11 finalists.
Finalists include:
Patrycja Zbrzezny – John Bowne High School.
Anne Allen – Sharon Springs Central School.
Elizabeth Foote – Greenwich Junior-Senior High School.
Renee Johnson – Oxford Academy High School.
Mandi Millen – Cazenovia High School.
Nichole Hirt – Indian River High School.
Leann Jordan – Tully Junior-Senior High School.
Mary Coolbaugh – Marcus Whitman High School.
Todd Eick – Medina High School.
Patricia Walker – Randolph Central School.
Jeff Perry – Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Ms. Allen was recognized for the Golden Owl Award by SSCS co-workers and alumni and first recognized in February.
“I feel very honored to be recognized and appreciate all of the support in Sharon Springs Central School and from the community,” she said. “I have always received a tremendous amount of support for our ag program and FFA Chapter.
“My goals from when I started 25 years ago remain the same... I do not expect everyone to become a farmer or be directly involved in agriculture, but I hope to educate students about agriculture and our food system and appreciate all aspects of its production. I also hope to develop their leadership and work skills that are needed for any career area.”
In addition to the Ag Educator of the Year designation, the grand-prize winner will also receive a $3,000 Nationwide-funded check to help bring new educational opportunities to the program and its students and the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy.