West Lafayette, IN (June 20, 2024) – As the need grows for more ag educators across the nation, the ag teachers who go above and beyond in educating America’s youth and future leaders are more important than ever. In Indiana, eight exceptional ag teachers were recently named as finalists of the 2023-2024 Golden Owl Award® for their positive impact in the classroom and communities they serve. Of the finalists, Ron Noll, an agricultural teacher at Prairie Heights High School, was named Indiana’s grand prize winner and 2023-2024 Ag Educator of the Year.

Nationwide, in partnership with the Indiana FFA and Farm Credit Mid-America, recognized Ron Noll as the Golden Owl Award grand prize winner during the Indiana FFA State Convention. In addition to the title of Indiana’s Ag Educator of the Year, Ron Noll will receive the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and a $3,000 Nationwide-funded donation to further Prairie Heights’ agricultural education efforts.

Noll’s nominations described him as wanting the best for every student. One nomination read, “He is passionate about his field, but also worldly enough to inject other disciplines into his content. He is focused, but able to be flexible to teach to different needs. He builds relationships, and still sets boundaries of respect and discipline.” Another one states, “His commitment to the students and the Prairie Heights School is second to none. Selfless giving, growth mindset, and moral soundness are only a few examples that describe him. His approach to life is if it is worth doing, then it is worth doing very well.”

As the number one insurer of farms and ranches in the U.S. 1 , Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award with its state partners to shed light on the contributions of Indiana’s leading agricultural teachers and provide additional resources to support their programs. “Nationwide is proud to recognize the dedicated teachers who are educating and inspiring students to pursue careers in agriculture,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “We’re honored to have the opportunity to appreciate their contributions, highlight the growing need for their services, and supply additional resources to help provide their students with optimal learning experiences.

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