BROOKINGS — Members at the 98th South Dakota State FFA Convention recognized the 2026 South Dakota Golden Owl Agricultural Educator of the Year on April 22 during the fourth session at First Bank and Trust Arena, sponsored by the SDSU College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
The Golden Owl Award, sponsored through the South Dakota FFA Foundation by Nationwide, recognizes agricultural educators who go above and beyond in the classroom and in their communities. Students, fellow teachers, parents, and supporters nominate educators each fall, highlighting their impact on students and agricultural education programs across the state.
The 2026 South Dakota Golden Owl Agricultural Educator of the Year is:
Dave VanderWal, De Smet Finalists for the award included district honorees from across South Dakota:
District 1 — Adam Koll, Florence
District 2 — Dave VanderWal, De Smet
District 3 — Malinda Penner, Freeman
District 4 — Susan Roudabush, Ethan
District 5 — Austin Bishop, Belle Fourche
District 6 — Shane Gross, Hitchcock-Tulare
District 7 — Josh Christiansen, Harrisburg
District 8 — Renae Gebhart, Lemmon
The Golden Owl Award highlights the important role agricultural educators play in shaping future leaders and strengthening agricultural education across South Dakota.
These eight honorees submitted additional information for review by the selection committee, who had the tough job of selecting the fourth South Dakota Golden Owl Award recipient. A quote from the nomination form, on this year’s Golden Owl Award Recipient is:
This teacher has committed countless hours during the day and outside of contracted hours to ensure the ag students live up to their potential. Always encouraging students to try new things and aim high, this teacher works with students during prep periods and after school and is proud of student’s accomplishments and holds special assemblies to acknowledge them. They have impacted students in countless ways, bringing out sides of kids that no other teacher could and is committed to helping students become good people both in and out of school, teaching many students and leaving a positive mark on all of them. Many former students credit much of who they are today to the teacher of the ag classes they took. Through leadership, passion, and a tireless work ethic, this teacher has shaped generations of students and strengthened agricultural education in the chapter and beyond. The lifelong commitment makes this teacher truly deserving of the Golden Owl Award.
In their application, Mr. VanderWal wrote: “When I see former students or their parents somewhere, maybe years later, or they stop by to say hello, and they tell me how much they appreciated everything I did. It is a humbling experience hearing from them and learning about their careers, and how they have become successful and excellent leaders.” “I have always told my students that they get out of FFA what they put into it and that preparing for things and being responsible are so very important in life.”
Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award with its state partners to shed light on the contributions of South Dakota’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 South Dakota, to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers, and advisors alike. The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,407 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. As part of the National FFA Organization, the South Dakota FFA Association encompasses 113 chapters with over 6,500 South Dakota FFA members. FFA strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.sdaged.org for more information.
The South Dakota FFA Foundation is a charitable organization that supports agricultural education and the leadership development opportunities and activities of SD FFA members statewide through programs, awards, college and travel scholarships, grant programs, and more. To learn more or become a donor, visit: https://sdffafoundation.org/ or contact [email protected].
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