United FFA Advisor Scott Riden was recently named the District One winner of the Golden Owl Award. The Golden Owl, which is awarded through the Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers (IAVAT), recognizes agriculture teachers who go “above and beyond” for their students.
Riden was selected as one of the five district winners from a pool of 25 section winners, all representing middle and high school agriculture teachers across the state.
“It’s a testament to my students. I’ve been fortunate enough to have some very good students who have been very successful, and they, in turn, make their old ag teacher look good,” shares Riden. “It’s quite an honor to be recognized. The other four candidates are great teachers as well. Since this is my last year, it’s especially neat to be recognized before I retire.”
Before becoming an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, Riden was part of the Northwestern High School FFA chapter. Through his years as a FFA member and advisor, he has watched the organization evolve.
“I started teaching when it was still the Future Farmers of America, and at the first National Convention I attended, they changed the name to the National FFA Organization, as it is today,” shares Riden. “It has really evolved, especially the leadership aspect of FFA. There are a lot more events to participate in, and many contests have evolved over the years. But mainly it’s the leadership and confidence students gain from participating in Career Development Events and Leadership Development Events. They do well, gain confidence, and that’s what I like to see.”
The Golden Owl district winners are finalists for the Illinois Agriculture Educator of the Year award, which will be announced this June at the IAVAT conference.
