Finalists recognized for their contributions and awarded funding to advance their ag programs
Educators devote limitless time, and often their own resources, to helping students pursue their passions. To recognize the contributions of South Dakota’s leading agricultural teachers, the South Dakota FFA Foundation and Nationwide are honoring eight exceptional teachers as finalists for the Golden Owl Award.
From Oct. through Dec., 2023, the nominations were collected for the state’s top agricultural teachers from local students, parents, fellow teachers and community members across South Dakota. In District 6, Wessington Springs Middle / High School’s very own Brady Duxbury was selected as a finalist. He is shown above left with Mercedes Snedeker, SD FFA Advisor.
Each finalist was presented with an individualized plaque in front of fellow teachers and students and received a $500 check to support future educational efforts. Next, they’ll be entered into a final selection stage for the chance to be crowned as South Dakota’s Ag Educator of the Year, earning an additional $3,000 Nationwide-funded check and the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy.
