From a field of 114 total nominees, the Indiana FFA Organization has unveiled the eight finalists for the prestigious Golden Owl Award, honoring the 2025–2026 Indiana Ag Educator of the Year.
This year’s eight finalists are:
- Zoeann Chernowsky – Blue River Valley
- Mike Jones – Tippecanoe Valley
- Chris Kaufman – Westfield
- Lynette Markley – Argos
- Rebekah Peterson – DeKalb
- Emily Russ – Clinton Prairie
- Mike Shirey – Heritage
- McCord Snider – William Henry Harrison
Each of the eight finalists will receive a personalized plaque and a $500 award. From that group, one educator will rise to the top as Indiana’s Ag Educator of the Year, taking home the coveted Golden Owl trophy and an additional $3,000 to support future classroom and program initiatives.
The winner will be revealed during the 97th Indiana FFA State Convention at The Arena at Innovation Mile in Noblesville this June.
As part of the program, Nationwide will also donate $5,000 to the Indiana FFA to help strengthen the personal and professional growth of students, teachers, and advisors statewide.
The Golden Owl Award is sponsored by Nationwide and Farm Credit Mid-America.
