Sent on behalf of the IAVAT Awards & Recognition Committee:
Congratulations to the 2026 Golden Owl Award finalists recognized this week! In addition to the postsecondary winner and state finalists recognized with surprise award presentations, please click here for those that will be recognized as section winners at IAVAT Conference:
**Denotes District Winner/State Finalist
Awards Season Isn’t Over!
In the midst of degree and proficiency season, don't forget that all of our agriculture teachers deserve to be recognized for their hard work! Click here for a presentation put together by the Awards & Recognition committee that outlines the various award opportunities available this spring along with examples of what applications include. If you know of a deserving teacher or supporter, you can nominate them for an award using the nomination form by March 31, 2026.
For individuals applying for awards, application materials must be shared with Lori Copsy (lcopsy@illinoisffa.org) by April 10, 2026 (note slightly earlier deadline than years past). These materials only need to be uploaded to NAAE.org if/when individuals are selected by the Awards & Recognition committee as our state winner. These individuals will be notified by the committee by May 1 with instructions to submit materials to NAAE.
Expanding Ag Ed Scholarship Program
Do you know of an aspiring ag teacher preparing to student teach next year? Be sure to encourage them to apply for the Eldon Witt & Sam Taylor Ag Ed Scholarships by April 1! These scholarship programs have been expanded to offer a total of 10 scholarships and a total of $8,000 to ag ed student teachers in the coming year!