MURRAY, Ky. – Calloway County High School agriculture teacher Jacob Falwell has been named recipient of Kentucky’s first Golden Owl Award. He received the honor June 10 during the 96th Kentucky FFA Conference in Rupp Arena in Lexington.

The Golden Owl Award is an agricultural education award that recognizes outstanding teachers and their contributions to the future of agriculture. It’s presented by Nationwide in partnership with state FFA organizations and other agricultural partners. The award celebrates teachers who go above and beyond to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Nominations were collected for Kentucky’s top agricultural teachers from local students, parents, fellow teachers and community members across Kentucky. This was Kentucky’s first year as a Golden Owl Partner.

For his effort, Falwell received a $3,000 prize to help further his school’s agricultural endeavors. In addition, Falwell was presented with the coveted Golden Owl Award.

With over two decades of teaching experience, Falwell is dedicated to building an agricultural program that serves his community and is recognized nationally. Nearly one-third of students at Calloway County High School are enrolled in Falwell’s diverse agriculture courses, from animal science to dual credit offerings.

Falwell’s teaching philosophy, “WIN” (Wisdom, Influence, Notable) focuses on equipping students to be informed and impactful members of society. His success reflects this mission, earning him recognition across Kentucky.

The nomination period for the Golden Owl Award begins Nov. 1 and ends Dec. 31 each year. Nominators write an essay (1,000 characters or less) describing how the teacher’s dedication to agriculture education, commitment and impact on today’s youth make the teacher a candidate for the Golden Owl Award.

Last fall, there were 322 nominations for 88 agriculture teachers in Kentucky. In March, that field was narrowed to 12 ag teachers. During a surprise assembly at Calloway High, Falwell was honored for being among the finalists for the Golden Owl Award. He was presented a check for $300 and a plaque.

“I admit that it was an honor being nominated,” Falwell said. “It sure made me smile.”

However, Falwell was quick to say that it was not an individual award.

“That’s exactly right, they put my name on this (plaque), but this is truly a team thing,” he said, referring to Calloway County High School ag teachers Cassie Miller, Bill Samson and Cassidy McAllister. “Very simply, we make a great team. We really do.

“The program at CCHS was strong before I got here 23 years ago due to that support. I had the privilege of learning from Larry Gilbert and Jamie Potts and hope that I can keep this program growing for another 65 years. This community supports the program tremendously well with financial support, but more importantly the time they invest to help our students experience agriculture, learn leadership skills, and encourage entrepreneurship in our youth.”

The big surprise when Falwell was named the state winner of the Golden Owl Award. And Falwell was quick to credit those around him.

“We just get so much support from our community, our administration, and of course, the kids,” he said. “It is an enjoyable job, I must say. In fact, I don’t think I could find a more rewarding career than this. You’re talking also about teaching things having to do with an industry that is so important to this state, and these kids have a real passion for learning.”

Falwell also thanked the student body.

“The students have made this job so enjoyable,” he said. “At this stage in my career, I am getting to see former students excelling with their own families, careers and interests. That is very rewarding.”

The other Kentucky Golden Owl finalists were Keely Cooper (Madison Central High School), Carrie Davis (Greenup County High School), Wesley Estes (Logan County High School), Harvey Franklin (Lincoln County High School), Greg Hillard (Ohio County High School), Lewis Mink (Rockcastle County High School), Jacklyn Post (Owen County High School), Jeffrey Shaffer (Western Hills High School), Makenzie Thomas (Marion County High School) and Maen Woods (Caldwell High School).

In the award’s first year (1988), the Golden Owl recognized outstanding ag educators in Iowa and Ohio. Now, seven years later, this award recognizes an Ag Educator of the Year in 13 states: Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, California, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Kentucky.