(Lincoln)- The Nebraska FFA Foundation is now seeking nominations of Nebraska high school agriculture teachers and FFA advisors for the 2020 recipient of the Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award.

Scharf, who was a victim of an Omaha mall shooting incident, grew up on a family farm near Curtis, NE. He worked in the agricultural chemical industry. Over the years he made contributions to Nebraska’s agricultural and FFA communities through years of service on the Nebraska FFA Foundation Board including a year as president in 2002-2003. It's our pleasure to honor Gary Scharf's legacy by awarding an agricultural educator and FFA advisor with the Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award each year. The selected advisor personifies school and community citizenship and service and goes above and beyond for their community and school.

The 2020 Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award was presented to Mr. Philip Simpson from the Burwell FFA Chapter. He received a plaque and a $500 cash award from the Nebraska FFA Foundation.

In order to be considered for the award, agricultural educators must be nominated by students, colleagues, high school officials, parents or others in the community. Click here to learn more and nominate a teacher. The deadline is March 1 and the award presentation will take place during the 2021 Virtual Nebraska FFA Convention.