Mr. Jeff Robison of Goreville High School was named as a Finalist for the Golden Owl Award. Presented by Nationwide, Farm Credit IL, Compeer Financial, IL FFA, and the Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers (IAVAT), this annual award recognizes Illinois ag educators for their tremendous contributions in preparing the next generation of young people for successful careers in ag.
Last fall, students, faculty, and community members from across the state generated 369 nominations for 111 outstanding Illinois teachers. Following the nomination period, a committee was tasked with selecting the Golden Owl Award finalists, including Goreville High School's Mr. Jeff Robison.
The nominations for Mr. Robison noted that "he is always willing to go the extra mile....He truly makes the world a better place to be in." "Mr. Robison can teach any kid, whether they grew up on a farm or right in the middle of town, anything and everything about agriculture."
Mr. Robison is now in the running for the Golden Owl Award grand prize. One honoree from each of the 13 participating states will be chosen as their state’s grand prize winner based on additional review by each state’s selection committee. The winner will receive the Golden Owl Award trophy and a $3,000 award designed to support continued education efforts.
The Illinois winner will be announced at the 2025 IAVAT Conference in Springfield, Illinois.
Congratulations to Mr. Jeff Robison on a much deserved honor!
Pictured(L-R): Rod Stoll, VP Marketplace Engagement, Farm Credit Illinois; Casey Bolin, District 5 FCAE Program Advisor; Brad Dodd and Katherine Taylor, Taylor, Dodd, & Wood Insurance Agency; Sidney Steirs, State FFA Reporter; Jeff Robison; Brandilyn Klope, GHS Principal