Sara Colombe Nominated For SD Ag Teacher of the Year

Sara Colombe, MHS ag teacher and FFA adviser, learned she has been chosen as a finalist for the Golden Owl Award in a surprise ceremony at the school on Friday, February 21. Colombe is the recipient of the District One award for South Dakota and was nominated by students, parents, fellow teachers, and other supporters. She received a plaque and a check for $500 for her classroom from Mercedes Snedeker, the state FFA adviser, and Mallory Olsen of Dakotah Bank. 

Distinct One chapters include Aberdeen Central, Clark, Deuel, Doland, Florence, Groton, Langford, Leola, Milbank, Sisseton, Watertown Area (NETHS), Waubay. Webster, and Wilmot. 

Colombe earned her Bachelor of Science and Masters in Agricultural Teacher Education from SDSU.  She has also served as a National FFA Teacher Ambassador.

Colombe will now advance to the state level in the Golden Owl with the opportunity to be selected as South Dakota’s Ag Educator of the Year. The winner receives an additional $3,000 prize funded by Nationwide and the Golden Owl Award trophy. 

According to Nationwide, “The Golden Owl Award is a celebration of excellence.”
Nationwide partnered with state FFA organizations to create the Golden Owl Award in 2018 to recognize the country’s leading agriculture teachers. The program provides funding to help support agricultural programs and elevate the learning opportunities for students.

The Golden Owl Award has grown from two states to 13, distributing nearly half a million dollars to bolster teachers, students, school agricultural programs, and FFA chapters. Through this award, California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota are able to highlight the exemplary contributions of ag educators in their state.

Submitted Photo: Top – Colombe and Milbank FFA Students. Bottom- Mercedes Snedeker -state FFA adviser, Colombe and Mallory Olsen-Dakotah Bank.