DEFIANCE, Ohio – Ayersville High School agriculture teacher Don Hammersmith was not only educated in the Ayersville School District from kindergarten through grade 12, he also came back to his alma mater to educate other students for nearly 35 years. And for 26 years he taught agriculture.

Hammersmith’s hard work and dedication to ag studies and his students didn’t go unnoticed as he was presented with Nationwide’s Golden Owl Award as the top ag educator in Ohio in 2021. Hammersmith was honored last month at the Ohio FFA State Convention in Columbus.

“It really surprised me when I was named to the top 10,” said Hammersmith, who was one of 109 educators nominated for the top honor. “I felt fortunate enough to make it, but to win it is really quite an honor and very humbling. Just in our district alone there were two other teachers nominated and just to be in that group was a great honor.”

From Sept. 1 and Dec. 31 of each year, students, parents, fellow teachers, community leaders or other supporters can nominate their favorite agricultural teacher for this recognition. An established selection committee evaluates each nomination and makes its selection by February the following year. Each of the top 10 nominees receives $500 and an engraved plaque. Grand prize winners like Hammersmith receive the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and $3,000 is awarded to the school’s FFA ag program.

“I really received a lot of support from community members and past FFA members,” Hammersmith said. “And even teachers from other schools, they all wrote some really nice things about me, it’s all very humbling.”

Hammersmith, who grew up with the 4-H and FFA programs, resides on a small farm three miles south of the high school. He started his teaching career nearly 35 years ago. He started teaching agriculture at the high school in 1995.

“Mr. Hammersmith has impacted the lives of many students by teaching life lessons through supervised agricultural experiences, lab assignments, research projects and Career Development Events,” said Allison Engel, 2020-2021 state treasurer from the Ayersville FFA Chapter. “He has also been diligent in his work to support students in his community through his participation at the Defiance County Fair.”

Many of his students of the past describe Hammersmith as “humble, dedicated and selfless.” One supporter calls Hammersmith “a true educator and one who is vital in our small community’s lifeblood.” Those in Defiance say Hammersmith is known for his high standards as an educator, his commitment to students and his value as a role model.

Since he took over the ag program at Ayersville High 26 years ago he has been able to produce dozens of state degree winners as well as dozens of national degree winners through FFA. Still, he said he never dreamed of being the top winner. But since it occurred, he can put the prize of $3,000 to good use.

“We’re in the process of planning out a few things,” he said. “We do a lot with fruit sales and we’re thinking about getting signs that can be used for more than one year, that will look more professional. And we’re also looking at getting an electronic board that we can use for announcements and as a type of calendar of events for everyone to see.”

Ohio’s Golden Owl Award for 2020 was Christi Bachman from Bloom-Carroll High School in Carroll. The state’s 2019 winner was John Poulson from Pettisville High School in Pettisville.

“It’s an honor to recognize outstanding teachers for their dedication to agricultural education in their communities,” said Brad Liggett, president of agribusiness at Nationwide. “This award symbolizes the hard work individual teachers put into agricultural education to help students pursue their passion for farming or other careers in ag. With deep roots in agriculture, Nationwide is proud to recognize the men and women who are making a difference in our communities.”

The other nine Ohio finalists were Mike Hoffman (Wynford High School), Shari Anderson (Marysville High School), Kari Roberts (Talawanda-Butler Tech High School), Andrew DeLong (Chief Logan High School), Ryan Sell (Archbold High School), Ryan Rosselot (Western Brown High School), Abbey VanTyne (Norwayne High School), Pamela Schultz (Fayette High School) and Mark Hoffman (Hillsdale High School).