Elmwood teacher honored by state FFA

BLOOMDALE — The Elmwood High School administration has been keeping a surprise from students, staff and one particular teacher, which was announced Friday afternoon. "I wanted to take a second and welcome our quests today for a very special announcement," Elmwood High School Principal Ty Traxler said to a gymnasium full of unsuspecting high school staff and students during a special assembly, joined by representatives from the Ohio Future Farmers of America, Ohio Farm Bureau, Nationwide Insurance and AgCredit. "We are extremely excited to be here today to honor and recognize one of your teachers," Whitney Short, from the Ohio FFA, said. "While all teachers are continually going above and beyond to ensure each of you have a quality education, today we are recognizing one who works hard year-round to ensure not only their classroom is engaging, but also their students have many other opportunities outside their classroom." Presented by Nationwide, the Ohio FFA, Ohio Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Mid-America and AgCredit, the Golden Owl Award recognizes agricultural educators across Ohio for their tremendous contributions to preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders. The award allows support to be extended to agricultural educators who devote countless hours and resources to their students. "In the fall, we received 521 nominations for 126 different teachers. The nominations were heartwarming," said member service specialist for the Ohio Farm Bureau Kirsten Kepner. "Ten teachers were chosen as finalists for the Golden Owl Award. Today, we are here to recognize the outstanding work of Mrs. Krysteena Lawrence." Lawrence's selection meant she made a significant difference in the lives of students and community through her dedication to the profession. As an honoree, she will receive a plaque and their FFA chapter will receive $500 to be used to continue to help students grow into young leaders. "I don't know who nominated me, but thank you," Lawrence said. Lawrence will also have a chance to submit an application to determine the Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year, announced in May. If selected, she would receive a $3,000 grand prize and be awarded the Golden Owl trophy. Lawrence was nominated by students and colleagues who said: • "She encourages involvement from all members and makes sure they feel welcome. She has made an impact on my life and many others. She is very understanding, helpful and knowledgable and with those characteristics, she is better able to help all the students who need it." • "Mrs. Lawrence isn't only an (agriculture) teacher. She is an amazing person and is always there to help or even just be someone to talk to at the end of the day." • "The positive relationships she establishes with her students transcends beyond the classroom. She treats her students like another little family. She is constantly developing lessons to meet the needs of her students' interests to keep them engaged and passionate about agriculture. And, finally, even with all that was on her plate in her personal life, she continued to show up for these students and change their lives for the better. I cannot imagine a more deserving, persevering, and impactful agriculture leader."