Alex Zimmer, Buckeye Valley and Delaware Area Career Center (DACC) Agriculture Instructor, has been named a finalist for the 2025–26 Golden Owl Award®, a statewide honor that recognizes exceptional agricultural educators and the lasting impact they have on students, programs, and communities.
Presented by Nationwide®, the Ohio FFA, Ohio Farm Bureau®, Farm Credit Mid-America, and AgCredit, the Golden Owl Award celebrates teachers who help shape the next generation of agricultural leaders. Students, fellow teachers, and supporters across Ohio nominate agricultural educators and share what makes them stand out.
Zimmer was surprised and recognized as a finalist during the Buckeye Valley High School staff meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24, in front of his colleagues and Buckeye Valley Superintendent Ric Stranges.
During the presentation, a nomination quote read aloud captured the heart of why Zimmer’s students and supporters value him so deeply: “He goes above and beyond to make learning fun and engaging.” That same nomination described a teacher who brings steady encouragement, clear communication, and genuine joy to the classroom—someone who makes students feel seen, capable, and excited to learn. It also highlighted the countless hours Zimmer invests beyond the school day: preparing students for CDEs and FFA activities, spending time at the school farm to support students’ projects, and ensuring every trip and event is not only safe and well-organized, but memorable—often made better by his humor, stories, and approachable leadership. In every setting, the message was clear: Alex Zimmer doesn’t just teach agriculture—he builds confidence, character, and community.
Finalists will be recognized at the Ohio FFA State Convention this spring, where the Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year will be announced.
Golden Owl Award 2025–26 prizes include:
One (1) Grand Prize Winner: Trophy and $5,000 cash prize to the winner’s school/FFA chapter
Ten (10) Honorees: Plaque and $1,500 cash prize to each honoree’s school/FFA chapter
Congratulations to Mr. Zimmer on this well-deserved recognition and for the extraordinary dedication he shows to students, agricultural education, and FFA.
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