Old Fort teacher finalist for ag educator of the year

OLD FORT—On Feb. 23, agricultural teacher at Old Fort High School, Julie Stawowy, was honored as a finalist for the 2023-2024 Ag Educator of the Year honor through the Golden Owl Award. This award recognizes outstanding agricultural teachers throughout Ohio and several other states. As a finalist, Stawowy was presented with a plaque and the Old Fort FFA Chapter will receive $1,500 to help support future agriculture education efforts. Stawowy will also have the chance to be crowned as Ohio's Ag Educator of the Year in May during the 96th Ohio FFA Convention, where she could earn an additional $5,000 for Old Fort's agriculture program. "Ohio is fortunate to have many outstanding ag teachers," said Amy Jo Baughman, executive director of the Ohio FFA Foundation. "We're pleased to recognize 10 honorees for their ongoing commitment to student success. This award brings together statewide partners and the local school community to recognize teachers for the exceptional work that they are doing to provide quality FFA experiences for students." From September to December 2023, the Golden Owl Award accumulated more than 450 nominations in Ohio from local students, teachers, parents and members of the community. The Golden Owl Award is the result of partnerships between Nationwide, Ohio FFA, Ohio Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Mid-America and AgCredit. For more information about The Golden Owl Award, visit goldenowlaward.com.