The Nebraska Golden Owl Award recognizes agricultural educators across Nebraska for their tremendous contributions to helping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Out of many nominations, six finalists were selected. Finalist, Shelly Kubicek, from the Aquinas FFA Chapter, has taken on the challenge of starting a new FFA chapter and ag program, which is now thriving under her leadership.
Ms. Kubicek initially aimed to be an agricultural educator but explored different roles before returning to her passion. After serving as an FFA state officer and earning a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education, she worked with Teach for America, Seward County 4-H, and taught English at Milford. When she learned of an ag teacher opening at Ashland-Greenwood, she felt led to apply and had an amazing year, though commuting nearly two hours daily was a great challenge. Now, in her second year at Aquinas, she is closer to home and hit the ground running.
In the past two years, the ag ed program at Aquinas has experienced tremendous growth in both success and popularity. In the first year, the chapter qualified 12 students for the state convention, including one eventual state champion. Enrollment in Ms. Kubicek’s classes has increased so significantly that multiple sections of some classes have been added.
In the community, Aquinas FFA is known for producing leaders, both in and outside of FFA. Ms. Kubicek is also working to create a culture of community service with the young chapter.
She is inspired to continue teaching by her parents, both of whom were educators, and by her students.
“I just want to make every day a positive experience for [my students], and they bring so much into my life as well,” said Kubicek.
Some of her favorite memories so far include the “moments that nobody sees,” such a student who was initially unwilling to speak in front of people but has given a speech two years in a row. She also enjoys the liveliness of students, noting their current obsessions with vlogging and making TikToks.
“Shelly is more than an ag teacher, she’s a mentor, a visionary, and a builder. Her dedication, knowledge, and compassion have transformed Aquinas, and her legacy will continue to shape students for years to come,” shared one nominator.
Ms. Kubicek’s advice for future ag teachers is to be authentic and not try to replicate what others do. “Do what you have been given talents to do, and support students in your own way,” said Kubicek, “That’s going to mean more to your students than anything else will.”
Outside the classroom, Ms. Kubicek is also the varsity volleyball coach at Aquinas, as well as the coach of her daughter’s volleyball team and her son’s baseball team. She enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, and going to Husker football and volleyball games.
Ms. Kubicek would like to extend a special thank you to her parents, administration, students, and the group of people who nominated her for this award. “Every phone call, every positive encouraging word, I just want people to know that none of it goes unnoticed,” said Kubicek.
The Nebraska Golden Owl Award is sponsored by the Nebraska Agriculture Educators Association, the Nebraska FFA Foundation, and Nationwide.
