Kentucky Ag Teacher Wins Top Honor After Student Surprise

Chris Thompson had no idea why his students were cheering as he entered the Pendleton County High School auditorium last Wednesday morning. Moments later, the agriculture teacher learned he'd won the Kentucky FFA Golden Owl Award as the region's top ag educator.

The award came with a $500 check and a statewide nomination for Kentucky Educator of the Year. "Incredible," Thompson said afterward. "I had no idea any of this was happening."

Behind the surprise stood 115 agriculture educators across Kentucky who collectively received 440 nominations for the second annual Golden Owl Awards. Thompson's students, faculty, and community members spent months quietly building his case from October through December.

One by one, his FFA students took the stage to read the nomination letters they'd written. "Mr. Thompson consistently pushes his students to achieve greater heights, all while making whatever we are doing enjoyable," student Isabella Roberts shared.

Riley Combs wrote about how Thompson encourages students "to be the best we can be in FFA, class and as a person." Paige Bowling noted his passion for agriculture "truly enhances his classes, and his enthusiasm inevitably leads to enthusiasm from our students."

Thompson's journey makes the honor especially meaningful. The 2006 Pendleton County graduate returned to his alma mater to teach, determined to keep agriculture thriving in his community where he raises 100 head of sheep in the Morgan area.

"These students are eventually going to keep the industry going," Thompson explained about his decision to come home.

Why This Inspires

Fellow agriculture teacher Jaimie Mann described Thompson as someone who "believes in students before they believe in themselves." His reliability is legendary at the school, with Mann joking that if there's a deadline, "you can bet he met it yesterday."

Principal Chad Simms has watched Thompson evaluate every opportunity through one lens: will it benefit his students? If the answer is yes, Thompson quickly agrees. If not, he says no without hesitation.

Ruth Ann Fink of the Kentucky FFA Foundation said the Golden Owl Award recognizes educators "who devote countless hours, and often their own resources, to positively impact the lives of their students." Thompson also earned a nomination for Certified District Employee of the Year.

The surprise celebration proves what Mann tells their students daily: people cannot live without agriculture. Teachers like Thompson ensure the next generation is ready to lead from day one.