The Nebraska FFA Foundation is now seeking nominations for the 2026 Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award. Established in 2009, this award recognizes a Nebraska agriculture educator/FFA advisor for "helping others," specifically in the school and community, outside of agricultural education and FFA. The recipient of this award demonstrates the commitment, self-sacrifice, and genuine kindness that defined Gary Scharf's character and life.

Scharf, who was a victim of the 2007 Westroads Mall shooting in Omaha, grew up on a family farm near Curtis, Nebraska. 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, serving as the board president in 2002-2003.

To honor Gary Scharf's legacy, the Nebraska FFA Foundation annually presents a plaque and $500 cash award to an agriculture teacher/FFA advisor. The selected recipient exemplifies citizenship and service and goes above and beyond for the school and community.

To be eligible for the award, agricultural educators must be nominated by students, colleagues, school officials, parents, or others in the community. Nominations for the award must be submitted by March 1, 2026. To submit a nomination, visit: Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award Nomination Form. The award presentation will take place during the 2026 Nebraska State Convention held in Lincoln.