On June 7, the Nebraska FFA Foundation, Nebraska Agricultural Education Association (NAEA) and Nationwide recognized Randy Vlasin, Hayes Center Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor, as Nebraska’s first Golden Owl Award winner and Outstanding Agricultural Educator of the Year at the Nebraska Career Education Conference.
Agricultural educators play a vital part in their communities, dedicating countless hours to equip students for fulfilling careers and help them follow their interests. To further honor contributions and support them with additional resources, the Nebraska FFA Foundation and Nebraska Agriculture Education Association have partnered with Nationwide to present Vlasin, the Outstanding Agriculture Educator of the Year, with the first Nebraska Golden Owl Award. Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award in 2018 to recognize outstanding teachers across several states.
Between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2022, the Nebraska FFA Foundation, NAEA and Nationwide collected nominations for Nebraska’s top agricultural teachers from students, parents and community members across the state. Following the recognition of six finalists:
Ashtyn Vivion, Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor at Alliance
Amanda Hafer, Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor at Lutheran High Northeast
Brent Nollette, Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor at Valentine
Chad Schimmels, Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor at Eustis-Farnam
Randy Vlasin, Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor at Hayes Center
Robyn Graham, Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor at Humphrey
A selection committee honored Mr.Vlasin as the grand prize winner for 2023 Nebraska Agricultural Educator of the Year. Vlasin received the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and was presented with an additional $3,000 Nationwide-funded check to reward him for his service.
Vlasin is retiring after investing 34 years into his teaching career. Hayes Center is one of the smallest chapters in the state, with 24 students currently in FFA. Vlasin was always quick to remind his students that, “It’s not about the size of the dog in the fight. It’s about the size of the fight in the dog. It’s about what you want to achieve.” Students lived out this analogy as competitors at state and national competitions, proving that they, too, can succeed despite their size.
“For over the past thirty years Randy Vlasin has been a leader in Nebraska Agriculture Education and FFA. He is known as one of the most competent educators in supporting students’ FFA leadership and community involvement.” noted Stacey Agnew, Executive Director of the Nebraska FFA Foundation. “He understands the dynamics of preparing students for careers in agriculture, especially in rural Nebraska. Likewise, he shares his wisdom as a mentor and thought leader for all of Agriculture Education and FFA in Nebraska. He is very deserving of the 2023 NAEA Outstanding Agriculture Educator and Nebraska Golden Owl Award”.