Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award
Established in 2009, this award recognizes a Nebraska agriculture instructor/FFA advisor for what he/she has done in "helping others," specifically in the school and community, outside of agricultural education and FFA. The recipient of this award exemplifies the commitment, self-sacrifice, and genuine kindness that defined Gary Scharf's life.
Scharf, who was a victim of an Omaha mall shooting incident, grew up on a family farm near Curtis. 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 agriculture teacher 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.
One Nebraska agriculture education teacher is recognized annually with a plaque and a $500 cash award. Anyone can make the nomination - students, fellow teachers, school officials, parents, or others in the community. Each year the recipient is announced and recognized at the Nebraska FFA State Convention.
