East Knox FFA Advisor Finalist for Ohio Golden Owl Award

Tom Holton, sole agricultural teacher and FFA advisor at East Knox Jr./High School, is one of 10 finalists in Ohio for the Golden Owl Award. The Golden Owl Award is sponsored by Nationwide, the Ohio FFA, Ohio Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Mid-America, and AgCredit. John Ball of Nationwide Kari Ball Insurance Agency presented the plaque to Mr. Holton, while representatives from the other respective organizations attended the surprise assembly on Wednesday Feb. 19th to honor Tom Holton as the Ohio District 7 recipient of the Golden Owl Award. This is the second time in seven years that Tom Holton has received this honor. Nationwide takes pride in its agricultural heritage and unwavering support for the broader agricultural community, including the National FFA Organization and FFA chapters across the country. The Golden Owl Award extends their commitment by honoring agricultural educators who dedicate countless hours and often their own resources to enrich their students’ lives.

Since its launch in 2018, the Golden Owl Award has grown from two states to 13, distributing nearly half a million dollars to bolster teachers, students, school agricultural programs and FFAs. Through this award, students, fellow educators, and supporters can nominate their favorite agricultural teacher, highlighting their exemplary contributions within their state.

Upon the announcement of receiving the Golden Owl Award, Mr. Holton made his way to the podium while receiving a standing ovation from students and school staff. Mr. Holton humbly accepted the award acknowledging his FFA students for their successes. Tom’s teaching skill in the classroom is exemplified by 228 top ten Ohio CDE teams, 20 National, 16 Big E and 29 National Soil teams, 10 state speakers, 111 State Degrees, 54 American Degrees, 4 State Officers, 1 State FFA President and numerous other accomplishments. Generations of students respect and admire him, and he works tirelessly to provide them with opportunities in agriculture and learning. The overall state winner for Ohio will be announced at the FFA convention in May 2025.