Belle Fourche High School FFA advisor and Ag teacher, Austin Bishop, has been nominated for the 3rd year in a row for the Golden Owl Award. He is the 1st and only teacher in South Dakota to be nominated for 3 years running .
“This annual award recognizes South Dakota ag educators for their tremendous contributions in preparing the next generation of young people for success and careers in ag,” states Tacha Artz, Nationwide Agribusiness representative presenting the award.
“Nationwide, South Dakota FFA and the South Dakota FFA Foundation present the award in effort to support educators who devote countless hours, and often their own resources, to positively impact the lives of their students.”
From October to December students and faculty are encouraged to nominate a teacher they feel deserving. Some of the nomination comments shared during the presentation Monday afternoon from Belle Fourche ag students and colleagues were, “He saw potential in me and made sure I saw it too because he wants me to put everything I have into my passion- just like him,” as well as, “He sees potential in every single person he meets and pushes everyone to be the best possible version of themselves. He is not only an astronomical teacher, but also an outstanding FFA advisor and great mentor,” and “His deep understanding of everyone in his classroom allows him to connect with them in ways that make them feel comfortable and welcomed at all times. He never fails to meet students where they are at. As long as I have known Mr. Bishop he has preached the idea of ‘What you put into FFA is what you get out of it’. I believe that his philosophy is largely to thank for the success of our chapter.”
187 nominations for 44 South Dakota Ag teachers were received this year. A committee then selects the Golden Owl Award finalists.
One honoree from each of the 8 South Dakota FFA districts are nominated for the South Dakota grand prize and are selected based on additional review by the state’s selection committee.
The Golden Owl Award recognizes an Ag Educator of the Year in 15 states. Finalists receive $500 and a plaque, and the winner receives an additional $3,000 and an Ag Educator of the Year trophy.
The South Dakota winner will be announced at the fourth session of the South Dakota FFA Convention being held this year on Wednesday, April 22nd at the First Bank and Trust Arena at SDSU in Brookings.
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
