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Springfield, IL – As the need grows for more ag
educators across the nation, the ag teachers who go above and beyond
in educating America’s youth and future leaders are more important
than ever. In Illinois, five exceptional ag teachers were recently
named as finalists of the 2024-2025 Golden Owl Award® for their
positive impact in the classroom and communities they serve. Of the
finalists, Ralph Allen, an agricultural teacher at Mt. Pulaski, was
named Illinois’ grand prize winner and 2024-2025 Ag Educator of the
Year.
Nationwide, in partnership with the Illinois Association of
Vocational Agriculture Teachers (IAVAT), Illinois Association FFA,
Farm Credit Illinois, and Compeer Financial recognized Allen as the
Golden Owl Award grand prize winner during the 2025 IAVAT
Conference. In addition to the title of Illinois’ Ag Educator of the
Year, Allen will receive the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and a
$3,000 Nationwide-funded donation to further Mt. Pulaski’s
agricultural education efforts.
Allen’s nominations described him as incredibly positive, humble,
and influential. One nominator stated, “He goes above and beyond for
students and teachers alike. He is what every teacher should strive
to be. He is humble in winning and courteous in defeat. Mr. Allen is
a legacy in Mt. Pulaski, but also in the Agriculture Education
community. He inspired me to become a teacher. If I become half of
the teacher he is I will consider myself a good teacher.” Another
shared, “Ralph Allen is an exemplary mentor who prioritizes his
students' growth and well-being. His dedication to fostering a
positive learning environment makes him an invaluable teacher and
mentor, shaping future leaders in agriculture and beyond. Ralph
Allen embodies the true spirit of this award.”
Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award with its state partners
to shed light on the contributions of Illinois’ leading agricultural
teachers and provide additional resources to support their programs.
“Nationwide is proud to recognize the dedicated teachers who are
educating and inspiring students to pursue careers in agriculture,”
said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “We’re
honored to have the opportunity to appreciate their contributions,
highlight the growing need for their services, and supply additional
resources to help provide their students with optimal learning
experiences.”
Nationwide supports the future of the ag community
through meaningful sponsorships of national and local organizations.
In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is donating
$5,000 to each participating state, including to IAVAT, to further
support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers
and advisors alike.
For more information, visit www.goldenowlaward.com.
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About Illinois FFA
With over 43,000 students from 390 chapters, the Illinois
Association FFA is dedicated to making a positive difference in
the lives of students by developing their potential for premier
leadership, personal growth and career success through
agricultural education. To learn more about the FFA visit
www.ilaged.org
About the IAVAT
Representing 502 agriculture teachers, the Illinois Association
of Vocational Agriculture Teachers is devoted to supporting
agricultural education professionals across the state of
Illinois through professional development, student programming,
and legislative action. To learn more about the IAVAT, visit
www.ilaged.org
About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is
one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and
financial services organizations in the United States.
Nationwide is rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader
in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a
full range of insurance and financial services products
including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance;
public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual
funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet,
motorcycle and boat insurance.
For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.
[Text from Heather Fricke]
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