The Nebraska Golden Owl Award honors teachers for their exceptional commitment to students and dedication to agricultural education. This year, out of many nominations, six finalists were selected. Finalist Amy Kohtz, from the Exeter-Milligan-Friend (EMF) FFA chapter, works hard to instill a service-oriented mindset in all of her students.

Mrs. Kohtz didn’t grow up with FFA or agricultural education. Being raised in southern California, she says the closest thing she had to agricultural education was a horticulture class in high school. But Mrs. Kohtz was very involved with horses and equestrian competitions, which was her link to agriculture in her youth. After high school, she initially attended Cal Poly to study veterinary science and ride on the equestrian team, but switched her major to agricultural education during her sophomore year after learning about it from some of her equestrian team friends. She met with an agricultural education advisor and decided agricultural education was the path for her.

After college, Mrs. Kohtz taught for 5 years in the Imperial Valley of southeastern California in a two-teacher program with an on-site farm and livestock facilities. However, in 2004, her parents moved to Nebraska to be closer to family, and after becoming tired of the distance, Mrs. Kohtz followed them to Nebraska in 2008. In Nebraska, she taught for 10 years at Sandy Creek, worked 1 year at the Nebraska Department of Education, and is now finishing her 22nd total year of teaching at Exeter-Milligan-Friend.

Inspired by her high school algebra teacher, Mrs. Kohtz believes that all students can like agriculture if they are taught correctly. She is a continual learner who has never been afraid to ask for advice or suggestions from her peers, which she credits to her success as an agriculture teacher. “Mrs. Kohtz is a no-nonsense instructor who expects more from her students while providing the tools necessary to achieve success. I cannot imagine a more deserving candidate for the Golden Owl Award,” shared one nominator.

Something Mrs. Kohtz is extremely proud of is the Exeter-Milligan-Friend FFA UNMC Gift Card Drive. Every year, their chapter brings in thousands of dollars in gift cards, which are taken to UNMC every January. UNMC is then able to use those gift cards to support families who have had to relocate for a period of time. “I hope that when people think of our chapter, we’re known for working within our community and our community service projects,” noted Kohtz.

One of her favorite memories during her time as an educator was back when she taught in California. Mrs. Kohtz had a student with a severe case of Multiple Sclerosis who wanted to show a lamb. The school and community rallied around the student, with the shop class fabricating a stanchion that could be attached to his wheelchair and another student volunteering to set up the legs of the lamb in the show ring. At the county fair, the community came together and raised $15,000 for the lamb to help the student’s family cover medical costs. That memory still vividly sticks with Mrs. Kohtz today.

Outside the classroom, Mrs. Kohtz enjoys spending time with her family, riding horses, and watching extended family’s ballgames. Her best advice to future agricultural educators is to be willing to say no at the beginning. Focus on what you’re good at, and build from there.

Mrs. Kohtz would like to thank her husband, parents, administration, community, and everyone else who has supported her on this journey

The Nebraska Golden Owl Award is sponsored by the Nebraska Agriculture Educators Association, the Nebraska FFA Foundation, and Nationwide.