Davidsonville, MD – As the need grows for more ag educators across the nation, the ag teachers who go above and beyond in educating America’s youth and future leaders are more important than ever. In Maryland, five exceptional ag teachers were recently named as finalists of the 2024-2025 Golden Owl Award® for their positive impact in the classroom and communities they serve. Of the finalists, Kathy Wojcik, an agricultural teacher from Howard County, was named Maryland’s grand prize winner and 2024-2025 Ag Educator of the Year. 

Nationwide, in partnership with the Maryland Farm Bureau and Maryland FFA, recognized Wojcik as the Golden Owl Award grand prize winner during the Maryland State FFA State Convention. In addition to the title of Maryland’s Ag Educator of the Year, Wojcik will receive the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and a $3,000 Nationwide-funded donation to further Howard County FFA’s agricultural education efforts. 

Wojcik was selected from a group of five outstanding finalists, including Amanda Farmer of Washington County, Rachael Coffey of Cecil County, Erika Edwards of Baltimore County, and Brittany Sentelle of Frederick County. Each finalist received $500 and a commemorative plaque.

Student nominations for Wojcik reflected the lasting impact of her work. One student wrote, “Her passion for agriculture has inspired many students to pursue careers in the field and has helped students develop essential life skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Her students are confident, well-rounded individuals who are making a positive difference in their communities.”

Another student added, “Ms. Wojcik dedicates so much time to her students. Every day I look forward to her class because being here makes me feel a part of something. It’s a sort of connection that I haven’t gotten a lot of in my life. Ms. Wojcik really cares about her students — she treats us almost like we’re her children. She laughs with us and encourages us to be our best selves.”

“This award shines a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible educators shaping Maryland’s agricultural future,” said Jamie Raley, President of Maryland Farm Bureau. “We’re grateful to Nationwide for recognizing their contributions, and proud to celebrate dedicated educators like Kathy Wojcik who are making a real difference in their communities.”

Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award with its state partners to shed light on the contributions of Maryland’s leading agricultural teachers and provide additional resources to support their programs.

“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. “We’re honored to have the opportunity to appreciate their contributions, highlight the growing need for their services, and supply additional resources to help provide their students with optimal learning experiences.” 

Nationwide supports the future of the ag community through meaningful sponsorships of national and local organizations. In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is donating $5,000 to each participating state’s FFA, including the Maryland FFA, to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers and advisors alike.   

For more information, visit www.goldenowlaward.com.