Finalists named for outstanding agriculture teacher

Six high school teachers from California were selected as finalists for the 2024-25 Golden Owl Award, presented to an outstanding agricultural instructor.

To recognize the contributions of California’s leading agricultural teachers, the California FFA Foundation, in partnership with Nationwide and the California Farm Bureau, is honoring six outstanding teachers as finalists. Nominations for the award were collected from local students, parents, fellow teachers and community members across the state. 

California’s 2024-25 Golden Owl Award finalists are: 

• Carrie Phillips of Bret Harte Union High School in Altaville, Calaveras County.  

• Lori Porter of Livermore High School in Livermore, Alameda County.

• Vernon Clark of Foothill High School in Bakersfield, Kern County.

• Marc DeBernardi of Santa Maria High School in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County.

• Krystal Thomas of San Marcos High School in San Marcos, San Diego County.

•  Jim Shanks of Butte Valley High School in Dorris, Siskiyou County.

California Farm Bureau President and FFA alumna Shannon Douglass emphasized the significant impact FFA has on shaping leaders in agriculture. 

“Farm Bureau sees firsthand the impact that FFA advisers make in their programs around the state and nation,” Douglass said, adding that many leaders in Farm Bureau and across agriculture have roots in FFA. “We appreciate the hard work that ag teachers provide to create a strong foundation for the FFA members and future leaders of the agriculture industry.” 

Each finalist will be presented with an individualized plaque and $500 at the 2025 State FFA Leadership Conference in Sacramento, April 3-6. All finalists will be considered for California’s Ag Educator of the Year Award, earning an additional $3,000 and the Golden Owl Award trophy. The winner will be announced on stage at the conference. 

“The six state finalists showcase extraordinary commitment to equipping students with foundational skills, leadership qualities and essential knowledge for the future,” state FFA adviser Charles Parker said.

Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award to honor the contributions of teachers and support their programs with additional resources to assist their continued educational efforts. This year, the award program honors outstanding agricultural educators in 13 states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and South Dakota. 

“As the need grows for more ag educators across the nation, we are proud to thank and honor these hardworking agricultural teachers for their dedication,” said Brad Liggett, president of agribusiness at Nationwide. “These educators play a crucial role in preparing students for successful careers in the industry.” 

In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is contributing $5,000 to the California FFA Foundation, enhancing support for the personal and professional development of students and advisers.