Greenwich teacher, FFA advisor named 2023-2024 New York Agricultural Educator of the Year

Greenwich High School agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Chris Kelly has been honored as the 2023-2024 Golden Owl Award® New York Agricultural Educator of the Year.

Presented by Nationwide in partnership with New York FFA and New York Farm Bureau^®, the Golden Owl Award recognizes outstanding New York ag educators who go above and beyond to support their students and communities.

Kelly is a Greenwich, New York, native who attended the school at which he’s been an ag teacher for 24 years. He was one of 11 teachers named 2023-2024 Agricultural Educators of the Year across select states.

“This is a great honor and I really appreciate the Golden Owl Award program and Nationwide's support of it. It’s nice to know that they are committed to honoring the people who are normally working behind the scenes,” Kelly said. “I do this job to create opportunity for my students. I enjoy their success and watching them shine.”

Celebrating excellence in ag education

In addition to teaching a variety of courses including plant science, animal science, food science and agricultural engineering, Kelly also serves as the school's FFA advisor. His commitment to providing hands-on learning experiences and fostering a love for agriculture — both in and out of the classroom — has earned him high praise from students, parents and colleagues alike.

“It’s inspiring to see students learn the value of agriculture and get inspired,” Kelly said, adding he wasn’t a “farm kid” but knew the importance of agriculture to his community at a young age. “I had an FFA advisor who encouraged me to get involved, and here I am. I never looked back.”

That kind of lifelong connection to agriculture embodies the spirit of the Golden Owl Award, according to Nationwide Agribusiness President Brad Liggett.

“Mr. Kelly is what the Golden Owl Award is all about. He’s deeply committed to his students’ success, and he has spent his career working hard on their behalf,” Liggett said. “As both an ag teacher and FFA advisor, he’s shaping students’ lives both in and out of the classroom. And he’s helping shape the future of agriculture.”

Golden Owl Award honors the best in New York

In New York, 11 Golden Owl Award finalists were recognized in 2024. Each received a $500 cash prize and a plaque. From this group, Kelly was selected as the New York Ag Educator of the Year, earning an additional $3,000 and the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy. Nationwide is donating $5,000 to the New York FFA to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers and advisors. To date, Nationwide has donated more than $474,500 by way of the Golden Owl Award.

"The Golden Owl Award shines a well-deserved spotlight on ag educators who truly make a difference in the lives of their students," said New York Farm Bureau Director of Member Advocacy & Insurance Partner Relations Scott Keyes. “It’s essential to support and celebrate those who inspire the next generation of farmers, scientists and ag leaders."

Nominate your ag teacher for the Golden Owl Award

The 2024-2025 Golden Owl Award nomination period is coming up. From September 1 to November 15, 2024, students, parents, teachers and community members are invited to nominate outstanding agricultural educators in New York. Visit www.nysffa.org/ny-ffa-golden-owl-award to nominate a deserving New York ag teacher.