Congratulations to Prairie High School Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor Laura Brecht who was presented the Golden Owl Award and named a finalist on Tuesday in the theater.

The Golden Owl Award, presented by the Iowa FFA Foundation and Nationwide, recognizes agricultural educators across Iowa for their tremendous contributions to helping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Students, fellow teachers and other supporters can nominate their favorite agricultural teacher and summarize what makes him or her the best in the state.  

Brecht is one of 7 honorees receiving the award and will receive $500 and an engraved plaque. The seven finalists will be recognized on stage at the State FFA Convention in April in Ames. The overall winner (Iowa Ag Teacher of the Year) will be announced at the State Convention and will be awarded with $3,000 from the Iowa FFA Foundation and a Golden Owl trophy. 

During her short tenure at Prairie, Brecht has been instrumental in the growth of Prairie’s Agriculture program. In less than 5 years, Prairie’s ag has become the 4th largest FFA chapter in Iowa. She has helped grow agriculture student enrollment from roughly 146 students to 250 students.

“Laura is always finding ways to support her students and their passions,” said Kristy Thomann, 9th Grade Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor. “She consistently stays late to work with students on degrees, contests and helps provide internship opportunities and work experiences for students to prepare them for life outside of high school”

This Golden Owl Award recognizes the efforts of educators over the past school year.  This award measures the impact an educator has had during the past school year and may be earned multiple years by an educator if they continue to innovate in the classroom.

“Great teachers matter,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doug Wheeler. “The amount of hours they invest in our students is amazing and I am so appreciative of Laura, Kristy, and their students for their hard work.”