South Ripley HS Teacher Nominated For Indiana's Ag Educator Of The Year

Erin Padgett is one of eight finalists for the award.

Erin Padgett. Photo via South Ripley High School. 

(Versailles, Ind.) – A South Ripley High School teacher is a finalist for Indiana's Ag Educator of the Year.

Nationwide’s Golden Owl Award recognizes agricultural educators across the Indiana for their tremendous contributions to helping the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Erin Padgett is among eight finalists for the award. More than 230 nominations were submitted from August to December 2020.

Nominees have an opportunity to win great cash prizes and the title of Indiana Agricultural Educator of the Year.

Prizes include $500 and an engraved plaque to each of the honorees, and $3,000 and the coveted Golden Owl trophy to the grand prize winner.

"Similar to Nationwide's mission of delivering extraordinary care, teachers across the country go above and beyond to bring new educational opportunities for their students and help them pursue their passions," said Nationwide's agribusiness president, Brad Liggett. "We created the Golden Owl Award in 2018 to honor the contributions of teachers, highlight the growing need for their services, and supply additional resources to help boost their programs and provide students with optimal learning experiences."

Ahead of the 2021 Indiana FFA State Convention, a committee will deliberate and make their finals selection for the Indiana Agricultural Educator of the Year.

For more information, visit Golden Owl Award (nationwide.com).