California Bountiful - September-October 2021 Issue

now from Nationwide

Eureka High School teacher selected as California’s ‘Ag Educator of the Year’

Agricultural teachers play an essential and selfless role as they work to prepare future generations for successful careers. After recognizing six exceptional California teachers as finalists through the Golden Owl Award, the California FFA, in partnership with Nationwide and the California Farm Bureau, selected Sandy Lovfald, agricultura l teacher at Eureka High School, as California’s 2020-21 “Ag Educator of the Year.” Lovfald was formally recognized as the Golden Owl

As the No. 1 insurer of farms and ranches in the United States*, Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award with its state partners to shed light on the contributions of California’s leading agricultural teachers and provide additional resources to support their programs. “With deep roots in agriculture, Nationwide is proud to recognize the men and women who are making a difference in our communities as they help students

Award grand prize winner during the broadcast of the Ca l i fornia FFA State Leadership Conference in Sacramento. In addition to the title of California’s Ag Educator of the Year, Lovfald received the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and a $3,000 Nat ionwide-funded donat ion to f u r t he r Eu r ek a Hi gh School ’s agricultural education efforts. Nominations described Lovfald as hardworking, dedicated and wel l respected within the agricultural e d u c a t i o n c ommu n i t y. On e nomination read, “While in high

pursue their passions,” sa id Brad Liggett, Nationwide’s president of Agribusiness. “We’re honored to re cogn i z e t he cont r ibut ions of teachers, highlight the growing need for their services, and supply additional resources to help provide students with optimal learning experiences.”

Nationwide supports the future of the ag community throughmeaningful 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 California FFA, to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers and advisors alike. The Go lden Owl Awa rd i s t he r e su l t of a partnership between Nationwide, the California FFA, California Farm Bureau, Illinois FFA, Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers, Farm Credit Il l inois, Indiana FFA, Farm Credit Mid- America, the Iowa FFA Foundation, New York FFA, New York Farm Bureau, Ohio FFA, Ohio Farm Bureau, Pennsylvania FFA, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and Compeer Financial. For more information, visit goldenowlaward.com.

Sandy Lovfald

school, I had no plan to continue my education after high school. I didn’t think I was capable. With the support of Mrs. Lovfald, I found a passion for agriculture and understood the importance of pursuing higher education. I went on to graduate frommy dream college and I’m now an ag teacher myself ! My goal in life is to have as big of an impact on my students as she did on me.” Another one stated, “She is the most selfless person I know. If she hears you need somebody to talk to, she’ll be listening in a heartbeat. She is so kind to everyone no matter what kind of day she’s having. Ms. Lovfald has taught me so many life lessons through agriculture.”

September/October 2021