Medina’s ag teacher again named winner of ‘Golden Owl Award’

Todd Eick in running for ag educator of the year in NYS

Provided photo: Pictured from left include Chad Kirby (Orleans County Farm Bureau), Derek Hill (NYS FFA Cornell University), Michael Cavanagh (Junior-Senior High School Principal), Julie Webber (Director of Curriculum), Mark Kruzynski (Superintendent of Medina Central School District), Michael Southcott (Nationwide Insurance), Julia Uhrinek (NYS FFA Cornell University), Joseph  Cecchini (Medina FFA Vice President), Zachary Fike (Medina FFA President) and Todd Eick (Golden Owl finalist).

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – The New York FFA and Nationwide today honored Todd Eick, an agricultural teacher and FFA advisor at Medina High School, as a finalist for the 2021-2022 Ag Educator of the Year honor through Nationwide’s Golden Owl Award.

As a finalist, Mr. Eick was presented with a $500 cash prize and plaque in front of administrators, fellow teachers and students. He has a chance to be named New York’s Ag Educator of the Year in May 2022 and receive $3,000 to help fund future educational efforts.

Mr. Eick was selected as one of 11 finalists by New York FFA and Nationwide from dozens of nominations across the state.

The Golden Owl Award recognizes agriculture educators and the critical role they play in preparing future generations for success. Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award to honor the contributions of teachers and support them with additional resources to assist their continued educational efforts. This is Mr. Eick’s second consecutive Golden Owl award.

The New York FFA will select one winner from all the nominees in New York State for the grand prize of $3,000 from Nationwide to support the development of the program, the Golden Owl Award Trophy and name them the Ag Educator of the Year.

“As a company with deep roots in agriculture, Nationwide recognizes the essential role agricultural teachers play in their communities and for the future of the industry,” said Brad Liggett, President of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “We’re proud to work with the state FFAs to recognize these selfless public servants for their many contributions to help prepare the next generation of leaders.”

Nationwide is also donating $5,000 to the New York State FFA Leadership Training Foundation, in conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers and advisors alike.

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education.  Mr. Eick said he is truly humbled to receive the award.

“This is a real honor to be a recipient again,” he said. “This particular award is very meaningful to me because it comes from colleagues, students and the community.”