The Kansas FFA Foundation announced the seven district-level finalists for the 2026 Golden Owl recognition — ag teachers from across the state who were nominated by students, parents, colleagues, and community members for their exceptional service to students, FFA chapters, and their communities.
Each district finalist will receive a $500 check and an engraved plaque in recognition of their outstanding classroom work and leadership. The finalists are also in contention to be named the State Winner at the 2026 Kansas State FFA Convention on the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan.
From Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, nominations were collected for the state’s top agricultural teachers from local students, parents, fellow teachers, and community members across Kansas.
Nationwide — the national sponsor of the Golden Owl Award — partners with state FFA organizations to honor outstanding ag teachers. The State Winner will receive a $3,000 Nationwide-funded award and the Golden Owl trophy, and Nationwide is donating $5,000 to the Kansas FFA Foundation to further support Kansas agricultural education programs. This year, the award program honors outstanding ag educators in 15 states:
“Nationwide is proud to recognize the dedicated teachers who are educating and inspiring students to pursue careers in agriculture,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide.
2026 Golden Owl District Finalists
- South Central (SC): Sonya Roberts — Hillsboro High School
- North Central (NCD): Jim Weller — Chapman High School
- Northwest (NW): Allison Dix — Phillipsburg High School
- Southwest (SW): Caity Thompson — Spearville High School
- Northeast (NED): Jeanie Wege — Hiawatha High School
- East Central (ECD): Dr. Kelly Hoelting — Mission Valley
- Southeast (SED): Karlea Clark — Cherryvale High School
“Ag teachers are invaluable,” said Yancy Wright, Kansas FFA Foundation Board Chairman. “In the classroom, they do more than teach lessons — they inspire, mentor, and prepare students for meaningful careers and lives. We celebrate the dedication of these educators and the powerful, everyday impact they make on students, FFA chapters, and communities across Kansas.”